Mute Witness ★★½

LOW-BUDGET British thriller Mute Witness is a surprisingly decent effort.

Directed by Anthony Waller and released in 1995 it draws comparisons to better-known works by the likes of Brian de Palma, such as Dressed to Kill and Body Double.

American special effects and makeup artist Billy Hughes is part of the crew working on a slasher film in Moscow. Billy’s older sister, Karen, is also working on the film which is being directed by Karen’s boyfriend Andy.

With a mainly Russian crew there is a distinct communication problem, made worse for Billy who is mute.

Our heroine returns to the filming location late one night to witness what she thinks is a horrifying murder committed during the making of a snuff film.

Billy’s version of events is thrown into question by those she believes were involved and a lack of physical evidence.

Unable to convince the police, Billy has no choice but to solve the mystery herself.

The acting is uneven and the maintaining of tension is impacted as a result, but Waller throws enough elements into the film to keep it entertaining.

There is also an amazing cameo from would you believe Sir Alec Guinness that apparently came about from a chance encounter with Waller during which the veteran British actor agreed to work for a day or so for no payment.

Watched on Shudder.