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The horror film The Mortuary Assistant, based on Brian Clarke's popular indie video game of the same name, stands out for its convincing practical effects. The movie recreates embalming techniques with remarkable accuracy, much like the game, which allows players to learn about these processes in detail.The film's strength lies in its simulation element, effectively placing viewers in the shoes of someone preparing a body for cremation. However, this aspect may appeal to a more niche audience compared to mainstream horror movies.Unfortunately, the film lacks balance in its narrative, with the characters of Rebecca and Raymond being portrayed as dark and tormented, leaving little room for contrast or character development. The introduction of demonic possession adds a familiar horror element, but it feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the story.Despite its well-crafted direction and impressive practical effects, The Mortuary Assistant falls short in delivering a well-rounded horror experience. A potential sequel could explore more complex characterisation or a schlockier, more formulaic approach to create a more engaging narrative.The Mortuary Assistant is available on Shudder and AMC+ from 27 March.

The world of sports is witnessing a surge in teenage sensations, with young athletes excelling in various disciplines at an unprecedented rate. Max Dowman became the youngest ever scorer in the Premier League, while Sky Brown won her second world championship in skateboarding at just 17. This trend raises questions about whether these prodigies are simply outliers or if there is a pattern emerging. Data suggests that peak performance age across various sports is increasing, with the average age of Olympians rising by two years between 1992 and 2021. However, the emergence of young talents like Luke Littler, a two-time darts world champion by 18, and Emma Raducanu, who won a women's singles title in a grand slam at 18, indicates a shift towards younger athletes dominating sports. Formula One may hold some clues to this phenomenon, with driver academies evolving into advanced athlete development programs. The Premier League's elite player performance plan, introduced in 2012, has also contributed to the rise of young talents, providing them with excellent resources, including physical, medical, psychological, and educational support. Experts like Sean Cumming, professor in paediatric exercise science, highlight the importance of biobanding and tailored training programs for young athletes. However, concerns remain about the risks of injuries and the need for careful workload management for these young athletes. While some, like Des Ryan, director of sports and physical wellbeing at the University of Galway, express reservations about feeding youth athletes into adult sports, the trend of teenage sensations is likely to continue. As sports science and athlete development programs advance, we can expect to see more young athletes making a significant impact in their respective sports.