August Heat

James is working in his flat, but oppressed by the heat of the city. Subjected to an impact noise he cannot pin down but cannot shake, he heads out on his bike and finds himself at the house of a stonemason, practicing his craft by carving out a random grave stone on a defective piece. It may have been the noise that drew James' attention, but what keeps it there is that the random headstone has his name and date of birth inscribed on it – just above the inscription of today's date.

Based on a short story that is over 100 years old, this film has a nicely creepy sense about it for the most part. Although it does not totally capture the heat and oppression as I would have liked, both of these things come across reasonably well to create an atmosphere which the sound design adds to with some good impact noises. The camera moves well; mostly static shots but use of overhead shots when appropriate adds a feeling of quality to it. The second half of the film holds out the build on this, and it does it pretty well, with a sense of things folding in on themselves. Being honest, I would have liked to have seen it be tighter, and have stronger and more gripping dialogue (words with things between the words) but it does still work, and the conclusion is nicely creepy and understated.

Technically well made, and with good delivery from Sullivan and Conroy, it is worth a look as it engages pretty well, has a creepy edge to it, and is solidly told throughout.