Remake of the 1970s ozspolitation semi classic improves on the original in some ways, but in others is a step back. It looks terrific with some brilliant production design (creepy hospital, dark corridors), and stylish photography; there is some top notch acting with Sharni Vinson a likeable heroine, Rachel Griffiths taking to horror like a duck to water, and Charles Dance providing gravitas. Jackson Gallagher is a suitably enigmatic Patrick, Simone Buchanan an effective scrubber mum, and Peta Sergeant does her cheery flirt thing well. I also enjoyed seeing Rod Mullinar pop up in one scene. The central concept remains a strong one and there are some decent shocks. It also moves at a decent pace.
But the story is needlessly complicated, especially in the second half. It should be enough that Patrick is in love with the nurse (although this is undeveloped), but instead Patrick has this other agenda involving Dance which is never really made clear; the why-doesn't-anyone-call-the-police logic really grates towards the end; there were unsatisfactory resolutions involving the fluid, and electric shocks and Dance's secret plans, and the missing nurse. Vinson's relationship with Damon Gameau (who is fine in the thankless Michael Douglas in Coma role) was also sketchy. And Martin Crewes gives a poor performance as a shrink.
The action felt jumped around at times with odd continuity. And while the music score was excellent there was too much of it, when it may have been more effective to hold on a scene and use silence. It's an enjoyable movie, with much to admire, I just wish they'd simplified and streamlined it a bit more.
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