The New Morality
Set aboard a houseboat on a fashionable reach of the Thames in 1911, The New Morality tells the story of how the brazen Betty Jones restores dignity to her household and harmony to her marriage, by losing her temper and making a scene. A rising star, Harold Chapin had numerous one-acts and three full-length plays produced before he was killed on the battlefield in 1915 at the age of 29. “When Harold Chapin fell in France the modern British theatre lost a comic writer of high order,” declared the Sunday Times. “For intellectual foolery, his New Morality has no equal in present-day work.” The play was produced five years after his death to great acclaim, and then languished in obscurity for decades until our “lavishly crafted”1 revival introduced New York theatergoers to Chapin’s “unabashed comedy with bite.”2
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of friends embark on a camping trip that turns sinister when they encounter a reclusive, cult-like community. As they try to escape, they uncover the dark secrets and twisted rituals of the community, leading to a fight for survival against horrifying odds. The film explores themes of isolation, fear, and the breakdown of societal norms.
Critical Reception
The New Morality received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its atmosphere and tension, though some found its pacing uneven. Audiences generally responded well to its disturbing themes and suspenseful narrative, making it a notable entry in independent horror.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and strong performances.
- Noted for its effective build-up of dread and suspense.
- Some found the narrative to be somewhat predictable or slow at times.
Google audience: Audience feedback for 'The New Morality' often highlights its creepy and tense atmosphere, with many viewers appreciating its disturbing themes and the sense of isolation it evokes. Some reviewers found the plot to be engaging, though a portion of the audience felt the ending could have been stronger or more original.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in the Yorkshire Dales, with the remote and atmospheric landscape contributing significantly to its unsettling tone.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources