Shadow of violence

source: Calm with Horses

Douglas isn't blessed with intelligence but he is with strength . He struggles to cope in the world he was brought up in . At heart he doesn't want to be violent yet the people around him use and abuse him and it's all he knows . What he wants Is what's best for his autistic son but you just know things will never turn out good for Douglas. That's just the way it is . Keep an eye out for the name Nick Rowland . This is quite an Extraordinary directorial feature length debut film from the British director. I loved this film . It looks absolutely amazing . The countryside of Ireland looks beautiful yet the town it is set in is totally grim as are the people who live there . Cosmo Jarvis is fantastic as Douglas. I've seen him briefly in Peaky Blinders before but I believe , on this performance alone , he a has a massive future ahead of him . This is a film I can't recommend highly enough . What a gem .

If you like Rise of the Foot Soldier you'll probably not like this. A well acted realistic tale of hopelessness, it tackles a range of subjects. Really nicely shot with a nice score in the back ground.

In my opinion, Bullhead already did this and better. High-grade acting is devoted and cinematography is slick & moody, but the story starts as cliched and ends as pointless. The solitary villain appeared much less dangerous than the protagonist, so I didn't get any sense of threat and failed to recognise any kind of meaningful arch. The main character's actions didn't seem to affect the plot at all. Perhaps it was meant to be the whole point? It's competently made, but I'm giving it "four out of ten" rating because it's just a shame - with the resources and talent available, even slightly more reasonable and meaningful narrative would have resulted in a really good film.

Seriously 1 bad film avoid like the plague, nothing happens i nearly nodded off brutal acting from z list actors i never heard of. and no story to it. How anyone could like this is beyond me. If i could give it zero stars i would

Really good story and the acting was great. Not so much a gangster flick, but there are definitely some violent moments. I couldn't help but feel for Arm.

This was an intense and well-made crime drama with excellent performances. Barry Keoghan delivers as do the actors who play the diabolical uncles. There are a few spots that unnecessarily slow down the pacing, but overall this is relatively taut and impressive for a lower-budget indie. Nick Rowland's direction was spot on. This film is well worth taking a ride on.

It simply does not make sense for a directorial debut to tick as many boxes as Rowland has done with this movie. A deep character study brought to life by a hugely talented cast and backed by a harrowing soundtrack that immerses you into the beautifully painted backdrop of rural Ireland. Rowland is the next great British director.

Firstly it is a sad gritty portrayal of criminal families retribution and loyalty set in rural Ireland... It's not a Guy Ritchie film, it's not got clever lines and arty montages set to current edgy. Trendy music. The lead role is much maligned in some reviews as wooden and poor actor. I could not disagree more... Firstly he's playing the part of a quiet man who has learned a way in the world through violence and misplaced loyalty. Its clear that as well as his little boy being far on the autistic spectrum that so is he. So infact imho he plays the role very well... The film is tense and brooding and yes it's depressing... But hey watch Mary Poppins if you don't like gritty films. If you are looking for stylish gangsta movies... Move along... But otherwise give this film your time...

So hopelessly cliched and formulaic. Certainly a pastiche of so many British/Irish gang films. Cosmo Jarvis was alright, Barry Keoghan is definitely better suited to the weirdness of The Killing of a Sacred Deer. I found him not threatening at all. The young actor who played Jack was excellent.