Title: Grabbers
Director: Jon Wright
Script: Kevin Lehane
Starring: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley, Russell Tovey
Released: Out Now
Runtime: 94 minutes
Grabbers is a 2012 Irish-British monster movie directed by Jon Wright and written by Kevin Lehane.
On the small Irish island of Erin the locals are about to come face to face with an alien that threatens to kill them all by drinking their blood... Fortunately forever the aliens are allergic to alcohol... And so the only way to stay alive is to get drunk!
It'd be easy to say that this film was derivative of a slew of other films such as Shaun of the Dead, Monsters, Tremors, and Critters, and indeed in one way or another that is true in every case but that would be to miss the heart of this film.
The script is good from first time script writer Kevin Lehane. There is great mix of comedy, horror, romance and thriller. It's well written, nicely observed and full of heart.
The direction by Jon Wright is also strong. It's an entertaining, roller coaster of action, drama and silliness. And it's a very well made film for a budget of just £3.5m. It also looks good on blu-ray, the image is sharp and colourful.
The actors are up for the challenge of making fools of themselves on some of the sillier moments and it's great to see them not taking themselves too seriously. They're not the best known of actors, although many viewers will know Russell Tovey from his TV work on Being Human as a werewolf and his small recurring character in Gavin and Stacey as Budgie.
Perhaps less well known but no less likeable, or capable, are Richard Coyle and Ruth Bradley, they take the lead roles and prove that they can take on a film and produce believable and likeable performances.
I didn't expect too much from this film but I was pleasantly surprised. Grabbers will grab you by the throat and not let go for 94 minutes.
