22nd October 2018 | 31 Days of “Alternative” Horror: Nina Forever
How can you make a dark romantic comedy based on the premise of loss, grief, the undead, and suicidal tendencies? The answer to that question is Nina Forever, a small British film from which the directors, brothers Ben and Chris Blaine didn’t end up going too far, nor did they hold back.
The story follows a young man, Rob, who survives a motorcycle accident. Riding with him on that motorcycle was his girlfriend, Nina, who died in the tragedy. Guilt ridden and unable to cope, he attempts suicide. He thereafter gains a reputation at his work in a grocery store as troubled and not worthy of attention. That is until Holly, a co-worker, breaks the ice and does talk with him. Holly is attracted to Rob’s dark half and appeals to the rebellion in herself to find a commonality. Rob maybe sees her at first as a distraction, but needless to say there is more to be found in this relationship. Perhaps even a chance for a new start.
That is all good and well until Rob and Holly consummate their attraction, but as they have sex, the partially decomposed body of Nina rises through the bed sheets. She is an unsettled spirit from the afterlife who comes back to taunt them but only during their bed activities does she ever appear. Now Holly and Rob must find a way to get Nina to find rest in the afterlife so that they themselves can carry on their own lives. In a way, this deals with the question “what if they did come back, would it ever be the same?” — Not in this way. Not at all. But for some reason, Rob and Holly adapt and soon they are ready to include Nina in all their bedtime shenanigans.
Beyond the unique premise itself, there are many example of detailed brilliance in this movie. For instance, before when Holly undresses for the first time, her dress falls and the camera pulls focus.
We were seeing her in the reflection of a photograph of Rob and Nina, but in the photograph, Rob has covered Nina’s eyes with his hands. It is a subtle and yet brilliant moment, and there are countless other examples, but you will have to discover them yourself if you want to enjoy them for what they are.
Nina’s entrance into the movie is well played, reminiscent of American Werewolf in London with respect to both supernatural character and in particular, the tone of comedy that blends well with the horror.
There’s something to be said for films that also take their time. The pacing is wonderful, reminding us once again that it’s okay to linger. It’s good to just watch and see things move into place.
The Blaine brothers are a “joint at the hip” directing team who also edited and produced this as well as many short films as well as various TV assignments such as Bad Education and The Bleak of Shop of Stuff. Nina Forever is their first notable feature, which was jump-led from a Kickstarter campaign.
Written by: Stephen Radford
website: stephenradford.com
Next: 23rd October: Messages Deleted
