Alison's Birthday
Directed by Ian Coughlan
During a Ouija board session with her teenaged friends, 16-year-old Alison gets a warning from beyond the grave not to go home for her 19th birthday. Fast forward three years later, when Alison is summoned to birthday celebrations with her aunt and uncle in Sydney, and visits them with her boyfriend - who becomes increasingly suspicious of the over-protective circle surrounding Alison. Before long Alison finds herself at the center of an ancient supernatural drama of which her own family are the custodians. An example of Australian folk horror with a clear lineage in the British tradition, ALISON'S BIRTHDAY also mines the elder-horror of films like SUSPIRIA (1977) and THE NIGHT NURSE (1978).
During a Ouija board session, 16-year-old Alison is warned not to go home for her 19th birthday.
Cast: Joanne Samuel, Lou Brown, Bunney Brooke, John Bluthal, Vincent Ball
Member Reviews
Typical 70’s folk horror. Goes exactly as expected. Meh
Brilliant!
Great retro old school horror. Perfect ending.
For fans of retro cinema, this film is definitely worth a watch. The acting surpasses the typical standard of many films from this era, and the incorporation of folk horror elements sets it apart from others in the genre. As an admirer of folk horror, I find it refreshing to see a horror film from this period that isn't just another slasher flick. The ending is unexpected, offering a rare conclusion where the good doesn't triumph—a bold choice that adds depth to the narrative. It's always intriguing when a film dares to let the antagonist prevail. Overall, I enjoyed this film more than I anticipated.
A bit stiff and formulaic, but not bad. It might go through the motions, but it does it competently. Pretty good production values. And, most importantly, it's sincere.