A film screener at the BBFC, who has earned an unsavory reputation for being the strictest censor of violent films, begins to spiral out of control after viewing a low budget horror movie with similarities to the disappearance of her sister.
“Censor” is a psychological horror film released in 2021, directed by Prano Bailey-Bond. The film is set in the 1980s and follows Enid Baines, played by Niamh Algar, a film censor in Britain who becomes increasingly disturbed by a mysterious horror film that reminds her of a traumatic incident from her past. As she delves deeper into the film and its disturbing content, Enid’s grip on reality begins to unravel, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The film explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the power of media to affect our perceptions and memories. It draws inspiration from the “video nasty” era in Britain during the 1980s, when certain horror films were heavily censored or banned due to their graphic content.
“Censor” is praised for its atmospheric tension, compelling lead performance by Niamh Algar, and its exploration of psychological horror and the effects of trauma. It’s a film that challenges viewers to consider the impact of censorship and the blurred boundaries between horror on-screen and real-life horror.
