DVD review (region 2)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg
Starring Kelly Reilly, Miranda Richardson, Rita Tushingham, Donald Sutherland
Release date 22 September 2008

Supernatural forces are unleashed when a young architect moves to an isolated valley to build her dream house and becomes pregnant…

Adapted from a novel by Fay Weldon, Nicolas Roeg’s take on Puffball sees him returning to themes he explored as far back as Don’t Look Now.

Dan Weldon’s (the author’s son) script is taut and gripping, although at times it veers into complete incoherence in a bid to appear uncanny.

Roeg, in his first movie for 10 years, offers a narrative somewhat akin to The Wicker Man, with a naturalistic style that incorporates graphic sex and near gynecological detail. At times, however, the combination of the supernatural and bedhopping makes the production feel somewhat akin to Desperate Housewives with spells.

It doesn’t help that the performances are occasionally misjudged. Kate Reilly makes for a strong lead and is certainly a face to watch out for, but Rita Tushingham’s role as an old crone constantly staring out through her window is hideously clichéd, as if it’s there merely to tick a box. Roeg’s reunion with Donald Sutherland probably seemed like a great idea - especially given the actor's previous form in Don’t Look Now - but he’s just not given enough to do.

It’s left to the always dependable Miranda Richardson to give a stylish and surprisingly subtle turn as a witch, which perhaps this production doesn’t always truly deserve.

A selection of extras, including interviews and a ‘making of’ documentary shed little light as to the intentions of the piece. Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 5/10
Not terrible, but sadly not a return to form from a director capable of so much more.