An unexpected masterpiece

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

In the extras features of the DVD of "Marrowbone," there was a lengthy segment of deleted scenes. One of those scenes was the presentation of a birthday cake with candles from Allie to Jack. When he blew out the candles, he made a wish that in his imagination he was celebrating his birthday with his sister and two brothers. If restored to the film, that scene would have framed many of the film's complexities in the context of "our story," a kind of family album that memorializes the saga of four siblings.From the bonus segments, the viewer meets the actors, director, producers, and other film artists. Clearly, there was a substantial amount of talent collaborating on this well-photographed film. On the other hand, there was clearly the intent of combining so many different film styles, including suspense, romance, horror, and fantasy, that the film eventually became a hodgepodge, deflecting the momentum away from the human story of the Marrowbone family.Of all of the different goals of the filmmakers, the one that emerged more completely than the others was the romance between Jack and Allie. Out of the convoluted evolution of the Fairbairn family to the Marrowbones, one constant was the devotion that Allie felt to the various family members.In another one of the deleted scenes, there is a brief sequence where we learn that Allie herself was an orphan, raised by her aunt and uncle. The scene offered a rationale for how, as a displaced person, Allie felt a bonding with the Marrowbone clan. Late in the film, a psychiatrist finds it difficult to understand a life choice made by Allie, especially in the context of the theme of freedom that is so important to the Marrowbone children. But with that deleted scene, Allie's story comes more clearly into focus.Film viewers expecting suspense and chills from a horror film may be disappointed with "Marrowbone." Indeed, the filmmakers may have made a wrong turn in teasing the audience with elements of the supernatural. But the real strength of the film was not in its shock value, but in unfolding of a beautiful love story, supported by some magnificent location footage of an idyllic world.

Wonderful movie, brought lot of tears, showing again that love is most beautiful and powerful thing,

Easily the most beautiful and tragic story I have watched in a very long time. They created a story where true love and terrible pain and horror holds the space so beautifuly together. I absolutely cannot understand its poor rating. As a horror fanatic, this film had me gripping my seat! Such a beautiful story. I was in the end, unexpectedly reduced to tears. Give it a chance you won't be sorry. Already in my top best films of 2018.

Screenwriter Sergio G. Sanchez makes his directorial debut with a chilling and devastating ghost story following a family on the run and in hiding. Sanchez is best known for writing The Orphanage (2007), and his first directorial effort shifts not too far from his most iconic work. It shares a similar aesthetic; a familiar eeriness. Jack (MacKay) is left to care for his three younger siblings after their mother passes (a secret they are forced to keep if they are to remain together), all whilst a malevolent presence lingers throughout their home. One could guess just by looking at Marrowbone manor that its walls are haunted. Jack is careful to ensure that every mirror in the house is completely concealed, and the attic has been mysterious bricked off to prevent anyone from ever entering. As Jack keeps their secretive unit together, he forms a romantic relationship with local librarian Allie (Taylor-Joy), who inches closer and closer to discovering the secret of Marrowbone. Those who are familiar with The Orphanage will most definitely feel familiar ground being revisited in Sanchez's directorial debut. Undoubtably tied together both thematically and tonally, The Orphanage & The Secret of Marrowbone would make a fitting double bill. Sanchez orchestrates some genuinely chilling moments, although they are few and far between. First and foremost, the film is a family centred period drama. Sanchez takes the time to develop the relations between the siblings to ensure we connect with them, and their bond is built upon strongly from the get go, resulting in a tight-knit cast of characters we can root for. Those expecting a relentless ghost story will be disappointed, but as Sanchez shifts gears leading into the final act, the tension increases and a surprise shift in the narrative makes the slow burn build up throughout the first two acts entirely worth it. One of the films strengths is the subtlety in the details, and The Secret of Marrowbone is a tale guaranteed to become a different viewing experience second time round. This is a promising directorial effort from Sanchez. Although it treads familiar ground from his past work, there is enough here to demonstrate him to be a skilful talent behind the camera. In equal parts chilling and devastating, The Secret of Marrowbone is a quietly underrated gem that is worth seeking out.