Directed by Kelly Holmes and written by Matthew White, 1852, Wales: a desperate young mother carries out a forbidden ritual to save the soul of her unbaptised dead baby but is tricked into taking on a terrifying supernatural burden. Starring: Carly-Sophia Davies, Jack Parry-Jones, Sharon Morgan, Gareth Jewell and Lewis Mackinnon.

There are a few things that can really set a short film out on the right path, and one of them Kelly Holmes sets a fantastic example of here, a strong atmosphere. It’s something that’s all the more important when embarking on a short that explores the supernatural, so Holmes kicks things off on the perfect note.

It’s thick with tension, sadness and a loss of hope or innocence. One of the other elements that immediately stands out but is often undervalued, is the lighting. Capturing a feel of natural light, particularly when your film is set in the 1800s, is crucial to making it convincing and immersive, and they’ve done a great job of that with The Sin-Eater.

Adding to that really strong location choices, well done effects and a subtle score, the short has an excellent foundation. One that is then brought to life by its cast, starting with Carly-Sophia Davies as Jemima, who is filled with a touching vulnerability and a naivety but also a fierce determination. Sharon Morgan adds a flash of harshness, very fitting with the religiously driven society of its time, one that was often quick to blame or shame women.

Though it’s Jack Parry-Jones who is the standout here, with a strong presence, a complex character and a performance to do him justice. It’s filled with darkness and pain, yet there’s a fascinating duality to it, seeming kind and generous but simultaneously stern, leaving you unable to get a full read on him until the story develops.

A story which works very well and is aided by the dual languages which add a surprising number of layers. It succeeds best in its subtlety, when the effects are at their biggest, it can weaken slightly, and there was potentially room for a little more detail, but it’s otherwise strong throughout. It holds your attention well, Matthew White does a good job of pricking at your curiosity, setting viewers on edge for what darkness may appear around the corner. Although at its core is a tale of the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

The Sin-Eater is atmospheric, tense and absorbing. The aesthetic is inherently satisfying in feeling both organic and bringing through the supernatural element effortlessly. There’s a strong cast at work led by two superb performances from Carly-Sophia Davies and Jack Parry-Jones. Using the dual languages of Welsh and English was a clever choice which really adds to the film. It’s at its best when it lets your imagination fill the gaps, striking at your curiosity to seek what darkness and spirits it truly holds, while exploring a very human story of loss and a mother’s love.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10