19/41
Unfortunately, the film is a bit like a taxi that keeps circling the block without ever reaching its destination
Synopsis
A couple encounters their jovial taxi driver who diverts them to a remote, haunted road, revealing his disturbing motives and true intentions. If you’re in the mood for a horror film that can’t decide whether to terrify you with supernatural ghosts or send a chill down your spine with a serial killer’s knife, then “Black Cab” might be the ticket for you. The plot revolves around Anne (Synnøve Karlsen) and Patrick (Luke Norris), an estranged couple who, during a night out, find themselves at the mercy of a seemingly genius taxi driver played by Nick Frost.
Frost’s portrayal of the cabbie is one of the film’s biggest draws
As the night takes an unnerving turn, the couple realizes they’ve been kidnapped and trapped on a remote, haunted road, where the lines between the driver’s murky motives and the supernatural elements blur. What follows is a mix of psychological tension and paranormal confusion that keeps both the characters and the audience guessing. Fans of his unique blend of humor and menace will appreciate his commitment to the role.
Despite Frost’s best efforts, the script prevents him from transcending into the truly frightening villain the story needs
He brings his usual wit while attempting to wrap it in the dread that peppers the first half of the film, though his character never quite reaches his full potential. His performance vacillates between sinister charm and over-the-top ambiguity, resulting in a character that feels like a missed opportunity for horror greatness. Goggins’ direction is atmospheric, particularly in the way he captures the claustrophobic, isolated setting of the road, utilizing fog-soaked landscapes and eerie silences to heighten the suspense.
I found myself nodding off at times, as there’s a lot of dark road driving throughout the film
However, this careful crafting is somewhat undermined by a plot that can’t decide whether it wants to be a paranormal ghost story or a gritty tale of abduction and human depravity. The film veers between these two horror subgenres without committing to either, leaving viewers feeling like they’ve been whiplash-laced narratively. The pacing suffers as a result, with the first half full of promise and tense, well-measured suspense, while the second half devolves into a somewhat chaotic mess of revelations that don’t quite deliver.
It’s certainly a good film to watch once
Ultimately, “Black Cab” is a film that will intrigue those who enjoy layered suspense and are fans of Nick Frost’s distinct approach to dark roles.