With the American Civil War nearing its end, Penelope (Georgia Morgan) awaits the return of her husband. The eve of his arrival is upon her, and yet it’s not the quaint affair she initially anticipated. In Colin Henning’s return to the director’s seat, he’s chosen yet another post-war story to examine, bringing his sharp sensibilities to the horror genre—and the results are quite entertaining. In a strictly macabre, unnerving way, of course.
Penelope is seen making all the necessary preparations for a reunion like no other. Donning her best dress, placing wildflowers in vases, brightening up the property as best she can. The short film is off-putting from the very start, set to a distorted track with rapid editing that makes this routine seem totally out of place – as if Penelope knows something we aren’t yet aware of. Day quickly turns to night, and this unease only rises further as the poor young woman is left wandering the old halls of her home.
Henning and Director of Photography Chad Hylton’s work evokes the horror classics (and we do mean classics) as well as the modern, experimental style of horror that filmgoers will be well-acquainted with. Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu comes to mind. The deep-blue tones that emerge with the candle-lit sequences of the film are especially effective, paying homage to Jarin Blaschke’s stellar work on Eggers’ remake. Dreamy and vibrant one minute, dark and gothic the next, the film can sometimes feel overwhelming with its pace but never to the point of complete tonal whiplash. All that’s to say, fans of Henning’s lurid work on Appalachian Dog will find a lot to love in Penelope!.
There’s a rawness to it from the handheld camera moves to the stellar sound design that makes the homestead feel eerily alive, especially with Morgan’s performance, which thrives off the actress’ silence. Corridors and rooms that were inviting in the sunlight become oppressive and dangerous by nightfall, and there’s no indication of how Penelope’s evening will unfold if she continues to explore. The devil’s in the details, so be sure to stick around to the very end.
Colin Henning returns to his lurid ways with a confident outing in Penelope!. It’s a charming throwback with a thoroughly creepy dose of modern horror in one neatly bundled package.
