Present Tense

A reclusive historian stumbles upon a hidden diary that details a century-old unsolved mystery within her own family. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that forces her to confront her past and question her present reality. The diary's cryptic entries lead her on a perilous journey through forgotten archives and shadowed family estates, blurring the lines between history and her own life.

Present Tense received a mixed but generally positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and strong lead performance, while some found the pacing occasionally slow and the resolution somewhat predictable.

• Praised for its moody atmosphere and compelling central mystery.

• Eleanor Vance's performance was highlighted as a significant strength.

• Some reviewers felt the narrative lost momentum in the second act.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's intriguing plot and the emotional depth of the protagonist's journey. Many found the historical elements well-researched and engaging, though a segment of viewers wished for a more surprising conclusion.

Nominated for Best Independent Film at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards.

The dusty, antique props used in the historian's study were sourced from a real, long-closed historical society archive in rural England.