Tell Tale 2010 Horror Movie Review

Let me first make something clear: “Tell Tale” actually has nothing to do with “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe.  In Poe’s short story, a murderer is haunted by the sounds of his victim’s beating heart.  In the film, the recipient of a heart transplant shares a supernatural connection with his deceased donor, and seeks to unravel the mystery of his murder.  The film only emphasizes the heartbeat when single father Terry sees someone that the victim did.


The film is directed by Michael Cuesta, who previously directed episodes of Dexter and Six Feet Under.  It’s produced by Tony and Ridley Scott, and even though they aren’t listed as directors, I found it interesting that the film borrows direction techniques from Man on Fire (A Tony Scott film).


I’ve enjoyed work by Josh Lucas in the past (Glory Road, Sweet Home Alabama), but he simply doesn’t stand out in this role.  On the other hand, Brian Cox (Bourne Identity, Braveheart) absolutely steals the show as Van Doren, the detective following every move Josh’s character makes.  Michael K. Williams (Omar Little from The Wire) seemed a promising inclusion in the film, but has virtually no screen time.


The downside to the film is that it’s not incredibly original.  Return to Me was a 2000 movie that deals with the bond between a heart transplant recipient, and the man who loved the deceased donor.  1995’s Jeff Goldblum film Hideaway also explored supernatural connections between accident victims.  Beyond the concept issues, the twist that occurs during the film serves only to point out a major plothole (the most I can say without spoiling it).


This movie is worth renting, though I wouldn’t consider buying it until after you’ve watched it once.  Light on originality, but with some solid acting by Brian Cox, this makes for a decent weekend rental.