Running Time: 93 Minutes
Starring: Connor Lawson, Helen Chong, Jill Dellow, Meryl Griffiths, Kylie Ann Ford, Rhiannon Jones, Ainsley Fannen, Jamie-Leigh Price
Each year, FrightFest showcases emerging British filmmakers through the festival's First Blood strand. One of 2026's entries comes from co-writer/director Paul Stainthorpe, making his feature debut with the young adult aimed work, The Brook. To describe this curious concoction would be to say that it is part Goosebumps, part slasher film, with a sliver of a creature feature, and a slight time travel element. Nobody can certainly accuse Stainthorpe of playing it safe.
In the village of Elmbrook, Jacob (Connor Lawson) and his mum, Michelle (Jill Dellow), have moved into his grandad's house following his passing. In the attic, the teenager discovers an old video camera which shows one hour into the past. It is a curious way to pass the time in a secluded village that has no wi-fi, and a local legend of a puma protecting the "good" members of their community. But when one of their group mysteriously vanishes, Jacob and his friends use the video camera to uncover Elmbrook's secrets, which includes a dangerous mystery involving a serial killer.
That description highlights the interesting mixture of elements that make up this story. Admittedly, there are times when the various pieces can feel a bit much, particularly when the third-act tries wrapping things up. But there are plenty of elements worth praising, such as how real Elmbrook feels. The isolation is effectively conveyed in this small village, such as how few students make up a single class, or how the only activity for teens is to visit the local music venue.
It helps breathe life into this location which feels ready to judge any mistakes, something asserted by the repeated saying of Elmbrook having eyes. The local legend of an escaped Puma tries to keep the residents in line, a story to weaponise fear to minimise any potential trouble. But when drug dealing is on the rise, with local bully and dealer Callum channeling his aggression into threatening others, the emptiness of the legend feels apparent.
The move has been particularly difficult for Michelle, who returns to this village after so long while keeping it quiet why she left. Part of the reason involves Mrs. Walker, the neighbour who has unresolved issues with Michelle. A lesser film would have made the mother feel like an unnecessary obstacle to Jacob's story, letting her lingering worries overwhelm trusting her son, but the film thankfully keeps her on the right side of believable while Jacob finds his footing in this village.
In fact, that is a large positive of this film. It can be noticeable when youthful characters are written by somebody decades older and out of touch, but these teens feel believable in their relationships, conflicts, and determinations. Part of that is due to the solid cast, but the screenplay from Stainthorpe and co-writer Chris Watt is a key reason. The teens know the importance of standing up for each other, because the town may watch closely for their mistakes, but it does not look out for them when things grow dangerous.
With the characters rounded out by adults such as local officer Grace, and college art teacher Miss Darling, it is clear how generational trauma and shame lingers over this village. The old ways did not help people, leading to important matters not being addressed, and hurt people unfortunately carrying on cycles of abuse. It is left up to the new generation to right their predecessor's wrongs, and they will need something stronger than the threat of a Puma. It all makes for an effective debut with The Brook.
The Brook made its World Premiere at FrightFest 2026
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