Original Title: The Last House on Cemetery Lane
- Release Year: 2015
- Director / Writer / Producer: Andrew Jones
- Main Cast: Lee Bane as John Davies, Georgina Blackledge as Cassie Konrad, Vivien Bridson as Agnes, Tessa Wood as Mrs. Connelly, Ian Smyth, Ian Grey, Kelly Jones and others.
The
Last House on Cemetery Lane is a British horror film that combines elements of
supernatural suspense, haunted house mystery, and psychological tension.
Directed, written, and produced by Andrew Jones, this indie horror is set in
the eerie backdrop of an old manor house in West Wales where secrets long
buried refuse to stay silent.
Story Summary
The
film follows John Davies (Lee Bane), a weary London screenwriter who decides to
escape the grind of city life by relocating to the quiet countryside of West
Wales. Searching for peace and a fresh start, John moves into a sprawling old
manor house on Cemetery Lane, hoping to overcome his creative block and
possibly find inspiration for his next project.
At
first, life in the village seems idyllic. John enjoys a slower pace, makes
friends, and begins a budding romance with a neighbor named Cassie Konrad
(Georgina Blackledge). He embraces a simpler life, believing that leaving the
city and its chaos behind will help him heal and create again.
But
the manor soon reveals itself to be anything but peaceful. John starts
experiencing strange occurrences — shadows lurking in corners, unexplained
noises, and fleeting glimpses that defy logical explanation. The atmosphere
inside the house grows thick with unease, and it becomes clear that something
is terribly wrong.
Determined
to understand what he’s encountering, John investigates the house’s history and
discovers that it is haunted by restless spirits and past injustices. Driven by
both fear and curiosity, John digs deeper into the manor’s dark past,
uncovering secrets more frightening than he could have imagined — including
clues that tie the spirits to tragic events that happened years ago.
As
the supernatural forces escalate and the boundary between past and present
blurs, John must confront the horrors that have taken hold inside the house.
With each revelation, the haunting intensifies, leading to a chilling
confrontation between the living and the dead, and forcing John to find a way
to honor the past and lay the spirits to rest.
Film Review
The
Last House on Cemetery Lane aims to evoke traditional haunted-house horror with
a classic setup: an old, isolated residence, an unsuspecting protagonist, and a
village with hidden mysteries. Lee Bane’s performance as John gives the film an
emotional anchor — portraying a man caught between curiosity and fear as the
supernatural presence tightens its grip.
Georgina
Blackledge’s Cassie adds warmth and human connection to the story, offering a
counterbalance to the creeping dread that grows within the manor walls. Vivien
Bridson and Tessa Wood provide strong supporting roles that add layers to the
world of villagers and neighbors in this sleepy West Wales setting.
Critically,
audience reactions have been mixed. On review platforms like Rotten Tomatoes,
the film is noted for having an interesting premise but limited execution —
with some viewers appreciating its atmospheric moments, while others criticize
its pacing and lack of genuine scares.
Many
reviews describe the film as more mysterious than frightening, with ghostly
elements that build intrigue but fall short of delivering sustained terror.
Some scenes have even been described as unintentionally humorous due to awkward
dialogue or predictable scares. Still, others praise the movie for its attempt
to build tension through psychological unease and rural isolation rather than
reliance on jump scares.
Overall,
The Last House on Cemetery Lane has become a polarizing title in the indie
horror scene — some fans enjoy its slow-burn suspense, while others find it too
restrained to leave a lasting impact.
Commentary
The
film’s strength lies in its classic haunted-house structure, where the eeriness
of the setting and the unraveling of hidden history take center stage. Unlike
fast-paced slashers or graphic horror films, this movie opts for atmospheric
dread, encouraging viewers to become invested in the mystery and the emotional
journey of its protagonist.
This
approach can be rewarding for fans of psychological horror that favors suspense
and storyline over gore. However, for those expecting intense scares or
surprise attacks, the film may feel underwhelming. The manor house itself —
with its creaking floors, long corridors, and murky rooms — becomes almost a
character in its own right, reflecting the secrets that have festered across
decades.
The
theme of uncovering buried truths and seeking redemption for past wrongs gives
the movie a reflective edge rarely seen in more conventional horror flicks. In
this way, the film blends ghost story elements with a deeper narrative about
history, consequence, and reconciliation.
Behind the Scenes
The
Last House on Cemetery Lane was written, directed, and produced by Welsh
filmmaker Andrew Jones — making it part of his broader body of work in indie
horror cinema. Production was carried out by North Bank Entertainment, with
distribution rights acquired in the UK and Ireland by 4Digital Media.
Principal
photography began in April 2014 on location in Pembrokeshire and Swansea in
South Wales, capturing the foggy landscapes and isolated spaces that contribute
so much to the film’s haunting atmosphere.
The
film’s score and cinematography were designed to enhance its eerie mood, using
dim lighting and sound cues to evoke tension rather than relying on visual
thrills alone. Despite its limited budget and niche appeal, the movie has found
a home on various streaming platforms, introducing it to audiences who enjoy
British horror and supernatural mysteries.
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