In an ironic twist (being an English major), I don’t read novels as often as I should. Maybe it’s a combination of a lack of time or my other passions cutting in, I just haven’t read many books in recent years. One author that’s been recommended to me is Simon R. Green. Green, whose big break came when he wrote the novelization of Kevin Kostner’s Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, has been quite prolific in his career. And after all these years, Green took the leap in 2013 and had his Ghost Finders series adapted into film by director Simon Pearce. The film, Judas Ghost, hits VOD this side of the pond this month. Putting aside the praise that Judas Ghost has garnered at several independent festivals in its native Britain, how does it really stack up?

The Carnacki Institute is an agency that specializes in ghost hunting and removal. Living by the motto ‘We don’t take any shit from the hereafter’, the group sends a quartet of its finest to investigate a haunting at a derelict village hall, which will be filmed for training purposes. After initially setting up shop, the group soon realizes that the entity they’re investigating is more powerful than they anticipated. The ghost soon begins to prey on each member of the squad, exposing each member’s weakness and manipulating their surroundings.

The film begins without much in the way of exposition or character introductions (other than the clichéd “ghost are real” bit), and really feels more like something of a sequel rather than a standalone film. The characters basically just enter the room and begin their work. Judas Ghost is definitely one where you’d have to have read Green’s Ghost Finders novels beforehand in order to make sense of the world in which these characters exist. It doesn’t take much of a stretch to see how this can backfire. Regardless, the best part of Green’s first foray into writing for film are the ideas to counteract the obvious constraints of a low budget. As the film takes place entirely in this one room, Green employs the idea of ever-changing surroundings (including staples such as temperature changes, accelerated night, and so on) to liven things up, as well as a reason for the group’s inability to walk out the door.

From a character standpoint, the Judas Ghost himself (portrayed by Grahame Fox) has an appropriately sinister presence. Clad in a suit with your typical ghostly pallor and dripping blood, Fox doesn’t do much in terms of action or lines, but the rule of “less is more” lends itself nicely to this role. With regards to our protagonists, the film spends quite a bit of time developing these characters through their interactions with each other, which is nice to see. However, despite the efforts at development, the characters aren’t exactly the strongest, nor are many of the backstories between characters fully realized. Despite this, the performances are adequate, with Martin Delaney notably doing his best to be the Bill Murray of the group in his cocky, sceptical demeanour. And, with the tight pacing, the film for the most part keeps your attention.

Sadly, as you probably can tell, many of the bright spots in the film are marred by some glaring issues. As mentioned before, the idea of dropping the viewer into the film’s world without exposition is frustrating. Although, not as frustrating as the realization that despite the film’s attempts character development, we’re still left without key points in their background. Jerry and Anna’s (Lucy Cudden) past relationship sticks out, for one. It’s hinted at, but not explained. The same for Mark’s (Simon Merrells) past as the veteran of the group. Speaking of Anna, it’s annoying that the character, who is supposed to be psychic, has to be told to use her powers, despite her solely being on the team because of her abilities. Worse, techie character Ian Calder (Alexander Perkins) seems ill-suited for this kind of work, given his skittishness (and falling into the cliché of not listening to your teammates when they warn you). Ian might as well have “ghost fodder” written on his back. Topping things off is the film’s ending, which builds up to a huge climax, but after an unimportant twist reveal, suddenly falls over itself trying to race to the bottom to get to the abrupt end.

‘Unrealized potential’ is how you can sum up Judas Ghost. There are some ideas that work to try and break the restrictions of its budget, and it’s not a film that’s boring or unwatchable. But ultimately, the film gets dragged down into clich&eactue;s and unfulfillment. Fans of the book series are more likely to get the most from this one, as they’re obviously the target audience. Non-fans and casual viewers will still get something out of it, but nothing that you haven’t seen before in other films of this type.