Review: Brooklyn 45 — Supernatural Tension and Psychological Depth

There is much to appreciate about the film, particularly because Geoghegan embraces the challenge of creating a tense viewing experience with a story that takes place almost entirely in a single location. The film offers interesting reflections on the World War II and the pain associated with service and intimidation, themes that gradually spill over into the everyday lives of the characters. While it initially appears to be heading toward something resembling an Agatha Christie-style mystery, Brooklyn 45 largely avoids traditional whodunit elements. Instead, Geoghegan shows greater interest in portraying the emotional erosion of the characters.

The story takes place in December 1945, at a moment when America is slowly recovering from the devastation of the war. In Brooklyn, Clive (played by Larry Fessenden) organizes a reunion with his friends, inviting them to his home for an evening of shared memories. Clive has recently lost his wife, Susan, and longs for the company of friends who endured the same trials during the past years.

Among the guests is Marla (played by Anne Ramsay), who served as a skilled interrogation agent during the war and now works at the Pentagon, where her timid husband Bob (played by Ron E. Rains) also earns his living. Archibald (played by Jeremy Holm) is currently under investigation for alleged war crimes, though he firmly believes his innocence will eventually be proven and that he will clear his name. Paul (played by Ezra Buzzington) is Clive’s best friend and considers himself a true American. As the group catches up on each other’s lives, Clive soon reveals the real reason for the gathering and convinces his friends to participate in a séance in a sealed room, hoping to make contact with the spirit of his late wife.

The story unfolds just before the new year and creates a sense of transition, with America emerging from the conflict of war and looking toward more peaceful times. This atmosphere drives the film’s first act, as we observe how these friends interact with one another and deal with their past. Marla may be the most intriguing character in the group: although she appears gentle, she was a master interrogator who used her skills to extract information from enemies.

In Brooklyn 45, the atmosphere soon shifts when the group is locked inside a room and asked to hold hands to help Clive process the unimaginable loss of his wife. The film attempts to generate suspense with knocking sounds and the disappearance of ectoplasm before the situation escalates into something more intense, almost theatrical in nature. We watch as the friends are forced to confront their past and their deepest emotions, while remaining human amid ghostly events that bring issues such as homophobia and xenophobia to the surface.

Although Brooklyn 45 does not always succeed in overcoming its inherently theatrical nature, the film still manages to leave an impression. With an unusual and impressive cast, the director brings the characters vividly to life and portrays the bizarre evening of escalating tensions in an engaging way. The performances are excellent, capturing subtle behavioral nuances and mounting anger while exposing the layers of denial as old friends gradually turn against one another.

Within these chaotic dialogues, the past, old sins, and long-standing hostilities rise to the surface. This is where Brooklyn 45 is at its strongest: the director allows the ensemble room to portray troubled individuals experiencing a supernatural night while confronting the harsh reality of their own actions. Our final verdict for Brooklyn 45 is 6.7 out of 10.