2014 is a damned fine year for Daniel Radcliffe, and Horns a damned fine outing (“witty” emphasis on “damned”).

Initially playing as a cross between The Invention of Lying and Bill’s New Frock, as Radcliffe’s Ig Perrish fends off increasingly psychedelic accusations, Horns develops into both a surprisingly intricate character collapse and a rather more straightforward mystery yarn.

Though childhood flashbacks remain flashes that never satisfyingly scratch the developing itch, the present is so appealing it’s little surprise that director Alexandre Aja has his focus turned.

Horns finds its horror in (hyper) reality, and it’s all the better for it.

Packing a visual panache that only fleetingly threatens indulgence or “flair” better suited to late night television, Alexandre Aja has constructed a colourful, involving film that manages to be that rarest of things: interesting.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella

DIRECTOR: Alexandre Aja

WRITERS: Keith Bunin (screenplay), Joe Hill (novel)

SYNOPSIS: Whilst trying to piece together the truth of his girlfriend’s murder, the prime witness sprouts devilish horns and an ability to hear the worst, or perhaps the truth, in people.