Censor is one of those films that’s not for everyone and there will be quite a few people who don’t get on with it but I really liked it and think it will definitely be a cult classic in the years to come.

Niamh Algar gives a really good lead performance as Enid, a film censor in 1980s Britain who takes pride in protecting the public from horrible gory films full of decapitations and eye gougings. However, things begin to get dark when she’s assigned to watch a film that seems to echo her hazy memories of her sister’s disappearance from way back in her childhood.

Censor is a fairly meta film that tries to emulate the look and style of the video nasties of the 80s. As well as the gore and disturbing moments it also has some moments of dark humour creating what’s an all-round really interesting film. As Enid keeps watching these horrible films and she keeps getting haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance that everyone gave up on and declared a cold case long ago, tension begins to rise preparing the viewer for what’s to come.

The film does begin a little slow and it takes its time to get into it but even so, it sets the scene really well and has you intrigued to know where it’s heading. And when it eventually reaches its final destination in the last twenty-five minutes it really goes all out, and it has this really shocking and crazy finale that fans of the genre are going to absolutely love. It’s an ending that will definitely remain in your head for quite a while after watching it.

Prano Bailey-Bond’s feature debut Censor is a perverse love letter to video nasties of the 80s and it’s a real treat to watch and to just get taken in by the film. Algar’s lead performance is really good to watch and Michael Smiley looks like he’s having an absolute blast playing the producer of these nasties.

The film’s sound design is great too creating a really eerie atmosphere that just builds and builds until we reach the wicked finale. On top of this, the film looks great too with some really lovely colours that jump out at you completing the look that the film is going for.

Prano Bailey-Bond’s first feature film is a success and she looks set to have a bright future with this really innovative and shocking film that will go down as a cult classic.

★★★★☆

Censor premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section.