What would have happened if Britain had fallen to Nazism in 1942? That’s the question at the heart of Eric Steele’s latest film ‘Forty-Two’. Telling an alternate history of events where Hitler won World War II, the film focuses on a group of British civilians who are detained by an SS officer who is determined to prove that one of them is a Resistance spy. Held in a church, where they fear for their lives and must keep their wits about them, the group works together to try and get away from their captor.
‘Forty-Two’ is a completely different proposition from Eric Steele’s excellent 2021 FrightFest standout ‘Boy #5’. Whereas that film was a vampire tale with elements of horror, this new film is more of a straightforward drama. Shot over 8 days and completely self-funded, the black-and-white picture has some bold ideas, and puts a very interesting spin on how different things would be had Hitler won World War II. Archive footage opens the film as the world’s alternate history is explained and it is revealed that Hitler used biological weapons to win the war.
As the film progresses, we spend time with the group of captives as they plot among themselves, discuss the situation they’re in and try to co-operate with their ruthless captor. The strategy to divide and conquer from the SS officer in charge sees each of the captives taken for questioning as he tries to prove that one of them is a Resistance spy. There are some grisly and harrowing scenes during the course of the film, but these are kept to a minimum, with Steele opting instead to let you imagine a lot of the horror rather than show it onscreen.
‘Forty-Two’ is a film that allows its story to breathe. It’s not in a rush to reveal all of its cards, and it doesn’t feel like it’s pushing a point of view on you. Instead, the film enables you to get to know its characters and you can decide for yourself how you feel about them. Given the world feel’s continually on the brink of all-out war, there are parts of the film that are incredibly sobering.
There are two standout performances in the film – Oliver Devoti as Arthur Fletcher and Mia Vore as Marilyn Dawson. Devoti is strong and charismatic as Arthur, feeling like the group’s natural leader and moral compass, while Vore brings vulnerability and strength as Marilyn, who is on the receiving end of unwanted attention. Both actors deliver memorable performances and they elevate the scenes that they’re in.
‘Forty-Two’ is packed with interesting ideas and it delivers a story that’s both compelling and engaging. While it may not hit every mark it aims for, the film should be credited for its boldness and for its smart commentary on authoritarianism and society. The tension builds nicely as the film reaches the final act, and the last few moments offer an unexpected, but nice, surprise. As with ‘Boy #5’, Steele has created a film that’s unique and offers something more than the recycled ideas we frequently see from mainstream film-makers.
Cast: Oliver Devoti, Mia Vore, Laura Montgomery Bennett Director: Eric Steele Writer: Eric Steele Certificate: 16+ Duration: 95 mins Released by: Vamoose Productions Release date: out now Buy ‘Forty-Two’ now
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