The Face of Darkness

After an uncertain start (through over-use of close-up), this feature debut settles into an interesting occult thriller that treats its subject with some intelligence. Concentrating on an MP's extremist ambitions, it deals with his recruitment of (and, unwittingly, by) the powers of evil, and his raising of one of the undead to further his totalitarian plans. Although inexperience sometimes shows in both plotting and direction, Lloyd manages his set pieces with conviction and a talent for bringing out the uneasy sexual undertones of necromancy.