Length: 04:42
Rating: ★★★★☆
Logline: An inexperienced couple on a countryside walk have a face-off with the owner of the land they have encroached on.
This film seems to have been around the festival circuit though I haven't been able to find any evidence of any award winning. Probably because it's got a beginning, middle and an end and doesn't fade to black just as it gets interesting.
This film seems to have been around the festival circuit though I haven't been able to find any evidence of any award winning. Probably because it's got a beginning, middle and an end and doesn't fade to black just as it gets interesting.
It's a simple plot - two folk who look like they've never walked on anything other than tarmac for most of their lives go for a trek out in the fields and come up against the land owner who certainly doesn't want them on his property. It hosts an impressive cast - Rafe Spall, best known for 'Pete Versus Life', 'Hustle's Robert Glenister and 'Jane Eyre' turns up in the form of Ruth Wilson. All deliver quality performances as expected. Robert Glenister is particularly watchable as the cool headed farmer.
As comedies go, this is pretty black. The dialogue is all very serious right up until the delivery of the last line which breaks the third wall and heeds a casual warning to any would be hill walkers. The title line doesn't appear in the dialogue, much to it's credit, as this would have stood out as a sketch-show copycat and lessened the tone of the film.
My main concern is the weird 180° that occurs with the couples personality. Spall's character is set up as a tentative wimp that doesn't even want to be there. Wilson is the powering ahead girlfriend who is annoyed at her boyfriends feeble masculinity. As soon as the farmer confronts the pair, Spall switches to a confrontational twat threatening physical violence as Wilson becomes cautious and submissive. Whether this was intentional or due to a poor setup, it is the biggest weakness in the film.
Nicely paced and well shot though with a crisp, clear picture of high quality. The hand held camera work is subtle and the sometimes dodgy focus is forgivable. Did spot a jump cut in the edit which must be covering a filming error or something, but no ones perfect. There's no soundtrack to speak of, but who needs one when you have the tranquillity of the countryside at your ears.
As comedies go, this is pretty black. The dialogue is all very serious right up until the delivery of the last line which breaks the third wall and heeds a casual warning to any would be hill walkers. The title line doesn't appear in the dialogue, much to it's credit, as this would have stood out as a sketch-show copycat and lessened the tone of the film.
My main concern is the weird 180° that occurs with the couples personality. Spall's character is set up as a tentative wimp that doesn't even want to be there. Wilson is the powering ahead girlfriend who is annoyed at her boyfriends feeble masculinity. As soon as the farmer confronts the pair, Spall switches to a confrontational twat threatening physical violence as Wilson becomes cautious and submissive. Whether this was intentional or due to a poor setup, it is the biggest weakness in the film.
Nicely paced and well shot though with a crisp, clear picture of high quality. The hand held camera work is subtle and the sometimes dodgy focus is forgivable. Did spot a jump cut in the edit which must be covering a filming error or something, but no ones perfect. There's no soundtrack to speak of, but who needs one when you have the tranquillity of the countryside at your ears.
Best Bit: Ka-boom! In your face (or stomach) annoying man.
Worst Bit: The complete turn around in the mans personality
Final thought: Bloody Townies.
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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