Black Cab Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		2.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Black Cab Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 16, 2026

Director Bruce Goodison (“My Murder,” “Murdered by My Father,” “Murder in the Car Park”) and screenwriter Virginia Gilbert (“Home,” “A Long Way from Home”) have an idea for “Black Cab.” It’s just not one especially suited for feature-length examination. What’s here is primarily a concept for a short, tracking the growing panic of a woman who’s been essentially kidnapped by her cab driver, left to suffer as she endures a lengthy ride to the middle of nowhere, facing a villain who’s slow to expose his motives. The filmmakers endeavor to launch a ghost story with the material, but very little paranormal activity is found in the movie. “Black Cab” is more of a screenwriting exercise than a true nail-biter, dealing with lengthy speeches and limited movement, which doesn’t inspire much suspense. Viewers expecting evil from the premise are served a lukewarm chiller instead, and one that runs out of creative gas early.

Anne (Synnove Karlsen) is struggling in her life. She’s in a difficult relationship with Patrick (Luke Norris), an abusive man who’s trying to reunite with Anne, using a night out with the couple’s close friends to announce the pair are going to push through their issues, allowing him to move back into their apartment. Jessica (Tessa Parr), Anne’s pal, is skeptical of the reunion, urging the frightened woman to rethink her decision, if she even made one in the first place. As confrontations heat up, a cab arrives to take Anne and Patrick home, revealing driver Ian (Nick Frost), who’s ready to hit the road in a vehicle featuring heavily tinted windows. Instead of experiencing a tense ride to their dwelling, the couple is soon targeted by Ian, who incapacitates Patrick with a stun gun and zip-ties Anne’s hands, leaving her helpless. During the drive, Ian keeps his final destination a secret, instead sharing memories of his own family issues, also exploring the legend of Maybelle, a ghost haunting the area.

The first act of “Black Cab” explores Anne’s state of mind. She’s handling a lot of stress in her life, and the material toys with supernatural elements right away, putting the character on edge as she’s contacted by Patrick, who wants a reunion. Anne agrees to dinner, pulled into a situation of commitment she doesn’t want but can’t escape, carrying a deep-seated fear of Patrick and his influence over her life. She’s involved with an abusive individual, and there’s little she can do about it. Jessica is also tangled up in the situation, making things complicated for all. “Black Cab” only spends a short amount of time in living spaces and a restaurant before Ian shows up in his cavernous ride, ready to take Patrick and his rattled partner to their destination.

The rest of the feature stays in the cab, developing Ian’s unusual personality, which finds him cracking jokes and singing along with the radio. He eventually graduates to asking questions of the couple, admitting he recognizes Anne from a previous ride that originated from a hospital. This connection is the first escalation in “Black Cab,” and perhaps the last effective one, changing the situation for all as a secret Anne is keeping is revealed, putting Patrick on edge before he’s tied up and knocked out. There’s a lengthy drive ahead for Ian and Anne, and the writing is sure to make viewers feel most of these miles, ordering up multiple tales from the driver, who’s filled with regret concerning mistakes made with his family. He’s also ready to explore the ways of Maybelle, a lost soul who haunts the road, looking to claim children and mothers.

Black Cab Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation for "Black Cab" struggles with encoding issues. The picture carries blockiness throughout most of the viewing experience. Brief solarization is encountered as well. Compression is also troubling, finding banding present, flaring up during moments of ghostly happenings. Detail isn't stunning, but some skin particulars are present, along with facial hair. Costuming is faintly fibrous, exploring casual wear to more flowy, ghostly attire. Exteriors are limited in depth, joined by muddier cab interiors. Color favors a cooler look at the central crisis, emphasizing red lighting for dangerous encounters. Greenery is acceptable, and skin tones are natural. Clothing choices maintain sharper whites and blues. Delineation isn't particularly strong, but evening activity is understood.

Black Cab Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix follows crisp dialogue exchanges, handling heavy accents and combative behavior with comfortable balance. Scoring selections offer sharp instrumentation and dramatic support. Surrounds aren't lively, but they examine musical moods at times, and atmospherics are appreciable, with the action going through haunted woods, populated by spirits. Sound effects are defined. Low-end isn't too challenged, but some harder hits of violence provide mild weight.

Black Cab Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet contains "new writing by Becky Darke."

• Commentary features director Bruce Goodison.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Black Cab Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ghost story additions to "Black Cab" aren't thrilling, as the low-budget production can't do enough with visual effects or locations. Maybelle isn't interesting as well, providing a softer wrath that doesn't become much in the film, feeling like filler in a picture that lacks dramatic meat. There is a destination for the characters in the offering, but not an inventive one. Goodison and Gilbert head to more conventional scenes of pursuit and madness to find a conclusion for the movie, leaving the payoff disappointing. "Black Cab" is small in scale and performance, and it becomes clear about midway through the feature that there's little here to support a full tale of torment. Dips into ghostly activity and human agony don't add up to much in this talky, dull endeavor.