WA-Made Horror Film Proclivitas Set to Terrify Cinema Audiences
In the eerie Perth Hills, a dilapidated house echoes with bloodcurdling screams and harbors a terrifying monster. This chilling setting forms the backdrop for the Western Australian horror film Proclivitas, which is now spooking cinemagoers across the country.
Rose Riley Embraces Challenging Lead Role
Rose Riley, known for her role in Mr Inbetween, stars as Clare, a recovering addict who returns to her hometown after her mother's death. Clare must confront the darkest chapter of her life while cleaning up her childhood home. She reconnects with former teen sweetheart Jerry, played by Kiwi actor George Mason, as they navigate shared trauma from a tragic incident fifteen years earlier.
Adding to the tension, Clare is stalked by an evil presence—a physical manifestation of the demon of addiction. Riley appears in every scene of the film, embracing the demanding role wholeheartedly.
"All I want from acting is to be challenged," Riley told PLAY. "It's been amazing to really sink my teeth into it. It's such a gift to have something to wrestle with. I wouldn't want to do it if it was easy, so it's been fun to lean into fear and dark themes."
Debut Director Miley Tunnecliffe Crafts Atmospheric Horror
Proclivitas marks the debut feature of writer-director Miley Tunnecliffe, who drew inspiration from classic horror films. The cinematography and score work in tandem to create a chilling tone, reminiscent of works by horror auteurs Ari Aster and Robert Eggers.
"The horror movies that excite me are old-school haunted house films like The Haunting from 1963, which managed without CG," Tunnecliffe explained. "We didn't have the budget for it, so we had to create the atmosphere as practically as we could."
Ironically, Riley admits she is typically averse to horror films. "I am a scaredy cat; I cover my eyes," she laughed. "I've avoided the genre because I'm too susceptible to fear. Maybe now that I've been in one, I'll be able to watch some without getting terrified. This film could be a good gateway for me."
Horror as a Metaphorical Tool
Riley highlights that horror often uses exaggerated terror to explore mundane evils in everyday life. Tunnecliffe gravitated toward the genre for this very reason.
"I've always loved horror, especially when it allows you to delve into personal issues," the director said. "It lets you explore experiences in a way that's safer to present and more palatable for audiences, without hitting them over the head with depressing subject matter."
Veteran Presence and Local Industry Growth
Doctor Doctor star Hayley McElhinney adds a veteran presence to the cast, playing Jerry's protective older sister, who is also the top cop in the small town. McElhinney, like Riley, is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
She sees the film as a positive sign for the local industry. "I used to live in Los Angeles, where film is a real industry that creates jobs—it's not just artistic but financial too," McElhinney noted. "We need to sustain talent here, otherwise we'll lose it. The more we do here, the better we'll be at making films."
Potential for International Success
Following the global achievements of Australian horror filmmakers like Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) and the Philippou brothers (Talk To Me), Proclivitas could open doors for its cast and crew abroad.
Riley expressed renewed ambition from the experience. "I've never had a lead in a film, so it's been an absolute dream. It's really reawakened my ambition, which is problematic," she joked.
Proclivitas is currently showing in cinemas, offering audiences a gripping blend of supernatural horror and profound metaphorical depth.
