Creative Wizard

'Out of Bounds', which I wrote, co-produced and directed, screened on BBC1: November 2007, Nov 2006, and Nov 2004. It stars Sophia Myles, Sophie Ward, George Asprey and Celia Imrie.

'The eerie setting of an empty girls' boarding school generates the chills in Merlin Ward's low budget but high concept British psychodrama' **** very good Daily Mail

'Sophia Myles delivers a strong performance as an 18-year-old boarding school pupil in an affair with the art teacher husband of her headmistress. A brooding psychological thriller, this makes good use of its limited budget and stages more than a few effective shocks.' What's on TV

**** very good Evening Standard **** very good Daily Mirror **** very good The Sun

By scrolling through the Stills below, you will get a feel for the story or click to view the trailer.

It is after midnight when headmistress, Veronica Van Huet (Sophie Ward), arrives back at the boarding school.

All is quiet save for some unusual sounds coming from one of the bedrooms.

Certain that something is going on, Veronica bides her time.

The girls are shocked by their headmistress's sudden intrusion.

Meanwhile, from another room, Matthew Van Huet (George Asprey) checks that the corridor is clear.

And feeling rather pleased with himself, makes his escape.

Louise (Sophia Myles), a pupil at the school, asks her headmistress if she can stay on at school during half-term. Her father is away in Singapore and although she usually visits her Aunt during the holiday, she would much rather remain at school and study.

Veronica agrees but only if Louise will play the lead in the school play.

Louise has no choice but to accept.

The parents arrive to take their daughters home for the half-term holiday.

And silence descends save for the low moan of the constant wind.

Veronica checks on Louise before leaving to visit Dr Reed, the school physician.

Louise enquires after Mr Van Huet, the art teacher and Veronica's husband, and is told that he is busy working on his self-portrait.

Louise admires Matt's work but he reminds her that his studio is out of bounds to the girls.

But he doesn't seem too cross!

Matt cuts his thumb while using a sheath knife to remove a torn canvas from a wooden picture frame.

And faints at the sight of his own blood.

Meanwhile, Veronica has returned for her mobile phone.

"Nurse" Louise gets her reward.

Surprised not to find Louise working, Veronica writes down her mobile number.

While up in the studio things are hotting up...

Puzzled, Veronica searches for Louise.

At first she was just concerned, but now...

Louise and Matt are entirely oblivious to Veronica's presence.

The full force of what Veronica's just seen finally hits home.

That night, blissfully unaware that their affair has been exposed, Louise waits up for her lover. But, by dawn...

At their secret rendezvous, Matt informs Louise that Veronica knows of their relationship and he has no choice but to end it. He adds that Louise will probably be expelled from the school.

While packing to leave, Louise receives an unwelcome visitor.

Instead of expelling Louise, Veronica explains that it is not her fault. The school has a duty of care, which doesn't include seducing young girls behind the bike shed!

Relieved that she's got Louise sorted out, Veronica makes it up with her philandering husband by complimenting him on his self-portrait.

Something that perplexes Veronica, is why Matt seems so reluctant to paint a portrait of her. He makes out that it's because she wouldn't sit still long enough.

The real reason why Veronica is so forgiving of her husband's affair, is because she wants him to paint another forgery. The school is in dire financial trouble and by Matt painting in the style of his late father, Charles Van Huet, he is keeping the school afloat.