Brooklyn 45 (2023)

Brooklyn 45 (2023) – A Supernatural Thriller with a Post-War Psychological Depth

Introduction

Ted Geoghegan’s Brooklyn 45 (2023) is a gripping supernatural thriller that intertwines horror with deep psychological themes, immersing the audience in a post-war world of trauma and suspicion. Set within a single location—a Brooklyn brownstone on a cold December night—the film unfolds in real time, creating an intimate yet unnerving atmosphere. While it features séances and ghostly apparitions, the true horror lies in the characters’ fractured psyches and the unshakable weight of their pasts.

Plot Summary

On December 27, 1945, five military veterans, bound by years of friendship and the shared scars of war, gather at the home of Lt. Col. Clive “Hock” Hockstatter (Larry Fessenden). Still mourning the suicide of his wife, Clive persuades his friends to conduct a séance, hoping to reach her spirit. However, what begins as a solemn ritual quickly descends into chaos as sinister forces manifest, unearthing buried guilt, paranoia, and unresolved moral conflicts. Trapped in the room, they must confront the ghosts of their past—both literal and figurative—before the night spirals into irreversible tragedy.

Themes and Psychological Depth

Beyond its supernatural elements, Brooklyn 45 delves into the complex psychological aftermath of war. Each character embodies a different facet of post-war struggle:

• Marla (Anne Ramsay): A former Nazi interrogator, now trying to adapt to a peaceful life with her non-combatant husband Bob (Ron E. Rains), but unable to escape her past.
• Archie (Jeremy Holm): A decorated war hero, haunted by looming war crime allegations, grappling with the duality of duty and morality.
• Paul (Ezra Buzzington): A rigid military commander whose deep-seated paranoia fuels his belief that enemies still lurk among them.
• Clive (Larry Fessenden): Overcome with grief, he turns to the occult for solace, inadvertently unleashing horrors beyond his control.

The film raises profound questions about morality, justice, and the ghosts—both real and psychological—that torment those who have survived war. It masterfully explores themes of survivor’s guilt, the moral ambiguity of wartime decisions, and the thin line between loyalty and delusion.

Performances and Direction

Larry Fessenden delivers a standout performance as Clive, capturing the sorrow of a man desperately seeking redemption. Jeremy Holm’s portrayal of Archie exudes both authority and vulnerability, while Anne Ramsay’s Marla balances steely resilience with inner turmoil. The entire ensemble delivers performances that feel raw and authentic, drawing viewers deeper into their psychological descent.

Geoghegan’s direction amplifies the tension through the claustrophobic setting, keeping the focus on character-driven horror rather than conventional scares. The real-time storytelling adds an immersive urgency, making each moment feel immediate and inescapable. The film’s restrained use of supernatural elements allows the psychological horror to take center stage, making the ghostly encounters feel like manifestations of the characters’ guilt rather than mere jump scares.

Final Thoughts

Brooklyn 45 is a slow-burning yet deeply unsettling thriller that defies traditional horror conventions. It prioritizes psychological complexity over cheap frights, delivering a haunting meditation on trauma, loyalty, and the inescapable consequences of war. While it offers chilling moments of spectral terror, its true horror stems from the moral dilemmas that weigh on the characters’ souls.

For those who appreciate historical context woven into horror, Brooklyn 45 is a must-watch—a ghost story where the most terrifying specters reside within the human mind.