Alison's Birthday
Directed by Ian Coughlan
During a Ouija board session with her teenaged friends, 16-year-old Alison gets a warning from beyond the grave not to go home for her 19th birthday. Fast forward three years later, when Alison is summoned to birthday celebrations with her aunt and uncle in Sydney, and visits them with her boyfriend - who becomes increasingly suspicious of the over-protective circle surrounding Alison. Before long Alison finds herself at the center of an ancient supernatural drama of which her own family are the custodians. An example of Australian folk horror with a clear lineage in the British tradition, ALISON'S BIRTHDAY also mines the elder-horror of films like SUSPIRIA (1977) and THE NIGHT NURSE (1978).
During a Ouija board session, 16-year-old Alison is warned not to go home for her 19th birthday.
Cast: Joanne Samuel, Lou Brown, Bunney Brooke, John Bluthal, Vincent Ball
Member Reviews
Surprisingly well acted, enjoyable classic horror. A great example of how a solid story and good atmosphere can make for a good movie on a presumably limited budget.
Fun! Almost turned it off after the first 5 minutes but kept on. Silly movie, worth it before it leaves shudder.
much better than I thought it would be
Agreed with everyone about the acting being good, no hard eye rolls while watching. Mama likey the boyfriend 😏 ending was so so
This is a great little folky horror film that manages to subvert several expectations as it goes. The characterizations are very strong, particularly with Peter and Alison, though the whole cast really shines.