The Power (2021 British film)

The Power 2021 British Film Poster

The Power is a 2021 British horror film directed and written by Corinna Faith. It is set in 1974 London, during the time of the miners' strike which led to widespread power outages across the country. The film explores themes of power, both literal and metaphorical, through the lens of a young nurse's harrowing night in a crumbling hospital. With its atmospheric tension and psychological depth, The Power has been noted for its exploration of the intersection between historical events and supernatural horror.

Plot

The story follows Val, a newly trained nurse who is forced to work the night shift at the East London Royal Infirmary, a hospital with a dark and unsettling history, on her first day. As the city undergoes mandatory power outages, the hospital's minimal staff and patients must navigate the night with only candles and flashlights. Val, already struggling with her past and the oppressive atmosphere of the hospital, begins to experience terrifying supernatural phenomena. She soon realizes that the hospital harbors a malevolent force that feeds on the vulnerability and fear of those within its walls. As the night progresses, Val's past and the dark history of the hospital intertwine, forcing her to confront her fears and the sinister presence that haunts the infirmary.

Cast

• Rose Williams as Val
• Charlie Carrick as Dr. Franklyn
• Gbemisola Ikumelo as Comfort
• Emma Rigby as Babs
• Paul Antony-Barber as The Matron
• Nuala McGowan as Terry
• Shakira Rahman as Saba
• Diveen Henry as Mrs. Kamara

Production

The Power was produced by Rob Watson, Matthew James Wilkinson, and Sarah Gabriel under the banner of The Shadow Factory. The film was shot entirely in London, with a particular emphasis on creating a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere reflective of the 1970s setting and the psychological tension experienced by the characters. Director Corinna Faith focused on building suspense and horror through meticulous production design, lighting, and sound design, rather than relying on traditional jump scares.

Release

The film premiered on 8 April 2021, distributed by Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller, and supernatural titles. It received positive reviews from critics for its atmospheric tension, strong performances, especially by lead actress Rose Williams, and its intelligent weaving of historical context into the horror genre.

Reception

Critics praised The Power for its atmospheric horror, strong performances, and the way it integrates social commentary into its narrative. The film has been described as a haunting exploration of power dynamics, both in a literal sense with the power outages and in how the characters interact within the isolated and oppressive environment of the hospital. Rose Williams' portrayal of Val has been particularly highlighted for capturing the vulnerability and strength of her character.

Themes

The Power delves into themes of powerlessness, fear, and the past's hold over the present. The film uses the backdrop of the miners' strike and the resulting power outages as a metaphor for the societal and personal struggles faced by the characters. It also addresses issues of abuse and the silencing of women, making the film not only a piece of historical horror but also a relevant commentary on contemporary issues.