I START COUNTING (1970) is a very obscure British drama that comes across as a mix of coming-of-age adolescent tale and psycho-thriller. It's similar to other films of the era such as TWISTED NERVE and BABY LOVE, and although not quite as successful as either of those movies, is of interest to genre fans. Jenny Agutter plays a schoolgirl who's infatuated with her own stepbrother, who's in his 30s, but also comes to believe he's the serial murderer who's been preying on young women in the area...
Agutter has been a favourite for many of us genre fans and she gives a typically fine performance here, even at 16. Her character is nuanced and believable, and she acts the requisite worry perfectly. The scene where she gets drunk is a case in point. Marshall is equally good as the suspicious stepbrother, and there are nice turns from supporting cast members including Simon Ward. The film may be slow for some tastes and it's certainly not gory nor suspense-packed, but I enjoyed it all the same as a more lyrical exploration of genre themes.
Agutter has been a favourite for many of us genre fans and she gives a typically fine performance here, even at 16. Her character is nuanced and believable, and she acts the requisite worry perfectly. The scene where she gets drunk is a case in point. Marshall is equally good as the suspicious stepbrother, and there are nice turns from supporting cast members including Simon Ward. The film may be slow for some tastes and it's certainly not gory nor suspense-packed, but I enjoyed it all the same as a more lyrical exploration of genre themes.