The Baby in the Basket - New Release Review
Director: Nathan Shepka, Andy Crane
Starring: Amber Doig-Thorne, Elle O'Hara, Michaela Longden, Maryam d'Abo, Paul Barber, Nathan Shepka
Written by: Tom Joliffe, Nathan Shepka
Produced by: Gary Collinson, Tom Joliffe, Nathan Shepka
Cinematography by: Andy Crane
Original Score by: Christopher Belsey
Synopsis:
Strange and unexplained events begin to happen at a convent after a baby is left on the doorsteps.
Thoughts:
2024 was a cracker year for religious horror and 2025 looks set to continue that trend. Whilst the latest offering from Shepka Productions isn't quite in the same league as the likes of 'Immaculate' or 'The First Omen', it still features attractive nuns questioning their faith, creepy church corridors illuminated by candlelight, a bit of gratuitous nudity and of course a demonic baby.
Maryam d'Abo stars as the Reverend Mother of St. Augustines, an isolated monastery on an island off the coast of Scotland. She's in charge of a very small group of young nuns, some of who are still struggling with their faith. There's a storm heading their way, in more ways than one, and the group must prepare for what's to come. Helping them is the soon-to-be-retired caretaker Amos (played by legendary Liverpudlian actor Paul Barber) and his apprentice Daniel (Nathan Shepka) who will eventually replace Amos.
As the storm hits there's a knock at the door and an ominous basket is left on the doorstep containing a baby. Mother quickly takes it into her quarters and begins to care for it but some of the nuns have other ideas.
Period piece indie gothic horror 'The Baby in the Basket' certainly tries it's best to pay homage to some classic Hammer horror films with it's location and even it's gothic presentation. The film does take a little while to get going, studiously introducing us to the various young nuns and the Reverend Mother, as well as the two caretakers who will play an integral part of this story. I think for the most part it's quite well written and does a good job at setting up the story. It does get a bit chaotic after Agnes (Amber Doig-Thorne) is locked away for claiming the newly arrived baby must die because it's evil. The middle part of the film spends alot of time on Daniel and his state of mind. I found this to be very interesting as it helped to explore themes of lust, morality and PTSD.
As the film progresses into it's finale, it turns from a slow-burn gothic tale into a schlocky B-movie, which is never a bad thing. Perhaps the editing could've been a little slicker but I had a lot of fun towards the end. It's not full of scares but there's a great atmosphere to the film that helps to cradle the story right up until the final scene.
'The Baby in the Basket' was created in part by a crowd funding campaign so it's a bit hindered by it's budget, particularly when it comes to the more technical stuff. However I do think what the team have achieved here is extremely admirable and shows the passion and dedication to their craft. There's some beautiful shots in the film that really highlight the gorgeous Church, both interior and exterior, and one sequence in particular where the characters are blacked out with the background light. Very foreboding.
All the girls are fantastic and I was particularly enamoured with Michaela Longden who plays the rebellious Eleanor. She's insanely captivating to watch and probably the standout of the bunch although Amber Doig-Thorne, Lisa Riesner and Elle O'Hara were all on great form too. And it's always a pleasure to be entertained by Paul Barber, who actually has some really gritty stuff to work with here instead of his usual comedic banter. He proves that even in his veteran years he can still pull at our heart strings. If you're a fan of gothic horror with a religious twist then definitely give this one a chance.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️½
-Gavin Logan
'The Baby in the Basket' is available on DVD and Digital February 17th
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