Best UK Feature Nominee

Rotten Tomatoes' Editor's Choice

Short Synopsis

Would you kill the one you love to save yourself from death? A calculating killer coerces a detective to pay for his previous mistakes.

Review

When scorched bodies start turning up on the seedy streets of New York, the police department assumes it’s the work of a serial killer. As each body is closely observed, it transpires that a cryptic message has been etched into the skin, thus confirming all suspicions. This message comprises of three symbols: W Δ Z. Bitter detective Eddie Argo (Stellan Skarsgård) and his newly appointed partner Helen (Melissa George) must prevent any more killings while attempting to decipher the significance of this mysterious mark.

A British-made thriller set in New York, Tom Shankland’s WAZ takes its cue from staple chillers such as Seven and Saw, while adding twisted elements to this popular genre. Clive Bradley’s menacing script sets up some devastating set pieces while focusing equally on the inevitable effects this sort of police work has on the human psyche.

Skarsgård and George give compelling performances as the officers who pushed to their limits and are forced into an unimaginable nightmare, while the supporting cast shows off familiar British actors. Ashley Walters once again proves his stunning abilities as an actor in the challenging role of Daniel, and the usually comic Paul Kaye gives a truly memorable performance as a crazed scientist.

WAZ is a frightening piece of raw cinema. Dark, gritty, yet compulsive viewing, the film raises the bar in a genre difficult to permeate.

James Merchant