After viewing a strangely familiar video nasty, Enid, a film censor, sets out to solve the past mystery of her sister’s disappearance, embarking on a quest that dissolves the line between fiction and reality.
“Censor” has been introduced to the world and has made headlines as a first-rate directorial debut for director Prano Bailey-Bond. For those that are unfamiliar with Bond’s work, it will be of no surprise that her dark and ominous style in “Censor” is pulled directly from her earlier works. There is a clear sense of deep collaboration between Bond and her crews that is consistent within the aesthetics and photography in her works. Regarding “Censor,” her storytelling abilities and writing style really shine through, juxtaposed with her and DP Annika Summerson’s unique and eye-catching photography.
The film is set in the 1980s Thatcher era in Britain, specifically within the Video Nasty news boom. This was a time in which many movies were bypassing the rating system and being distributed with violent and grotesque scenes that would normally be cut in the censorship process. The government used this to its advantage as a scapegoat for a rise in violent crimes. Bond uses this setting to evoke a sense of paranoia and realism in a story that blends reality with fantasy.
Prano Bailey-Bond is definitely a director to keep an eye on. I actually had the opportunity to speak with her on the most recent episode of the IFC Podcast and without ruining too much, she’s definitely on her way to bringing us more content. To listen to the interview, please click HERE. Censorship has lingered in my mind ever since I saw it and continues to excite and inspire me. Whatever Bond is working on next has my anticipation and I am hopeful that she will continue on this upward trend with her auteurist sensibilities as a director.
Now playing in theaters and On-Demand
