(Obsession) The Hidden Room - 1949 ****

Psychiatrist Clive believes his beautiful wife Storm (what a name!) is having an affair, and his fears are justified when he arrives home one evening and, standing in the shadows, sees his wife come in with her lover Bill. Once Clive confronts them it is clear his motives are dangerous and when he invites Bill out for a walk to 'discuss things' (it's the middle of the night) Storm is adamant that Bill will be killed. What she doesn't know is that Clive has taken Bill to a secret bunker-type room underground round the corner, and is keeping him chained to the wall. He tells Bill that it's only a matter of time before he disposes of him, but won't say when.

It's incredibly atmospheric and tense, and I love how calm the two men are around each other, nothing like being spurned by your wife for a younger lover and having to keep your cool. Sally Gray is gorgeous and Robert Newton is suitably suave but creepy in equal measures. I watched this years ago and never forgot it.

(HORROR) Smiley - 2012 ***

Legend has it that if you are in an internet chat-room and type 'I did it for the lulz' 3 times the person you are speaking to will be murdered in front of your eyes by a terrifying being wearing a mask. 

When a new student joins the chat-room and she and her friend type this saying as a joke in response to an unknown person online, that person is murdered before their eyes. Soon they are caught up in a horrendous nightmare, with a very strange ending.

I don't mind films based on creepy urban legends so this wasn't too bad, although the person who invented the catchphrase should be strung up.

Cry of the Owl - 2009 ****

 Surprisingly exciting thriller about a depressed and heartbroken man named Robert who retreats to the countryside for peace and quiet after his divorce from his manipulative and nasty wife and becomes enthralled by his attractive neighbour Jenny, whom he begins to spy on. After a while, the pair begin an acquaintance and the woman hopes for a relationship, despite the rocky situation with her psychotic ex-boyfriend. Gentle and unassuming, Jenny displays no malicious intent, and so Robert feels temporarily happy and secure, but all is about to change.
I had never heard of this film, and as with so many, it's the underrated gems that you stumble upon which really surprise you and come out trumps.