Heart, Beating in the Dark is part sequel, part remake and part mockumentary’an intriguing continuation of Shunichi Nagasaki’s 1982 Super 8 classic of the same name.

Don’t be put off by not having seen the original, as this is a stand alone film in its own right. While reshooting the original story with new actors in a modern setting, the film explores the long-term implications of the original by following the characters 20 years down the track. The older characters are played by the same actors who appeared in the original, and the younger characters bear an uncanny resemblance to the original actors in their youth.

Dark, tense and claustrophobic, it is not an easy film to watch. (15 people left the cinema throughout the movie.) With central themes of infanticide, violence and being on the run’and a few harrowing rape scenes’it is a shocking and beautiful film about ugly things.

The mockumentary element delivers some (black) comedic relief from the tension of the storyline. Nagasaki’s inclusion of footage of the original actors re-engaging with the movie is a novel look at the effect of a film on its actors. These scenes are some of the most enjoyable parts of the film.

Heart, Beating in the Dark moves at quite a slow pace and attempts too many things at once. Some tighter editing may have improved it. It is, however, an ultimately satisfying experience: with excellent acting, moving imagery and tense mood, the film is nothing if not audacious. This is less a remake and more a reworking, a carefully crafted and self-reflective film. Well worth a look in if you can handle the intensity.