CALM WITH HORSES
I don’t know if CALM WITH HORSES is strictly a genre film but it certainly contains more terror and explosions of interpersonal violence than 99% of any horror film I’ve seen over the last 25 years.
It’s a simple, well told morality tale but it is so ridiculously exciting, tense and devastating because we care so much about each well drawn character.
Once the premise is set between those who are willing to commit extreme brutality, for personal gain, versus those who will no longer accept the exploitation of their own weaknesses, there is no going back.
An incredible debut from Nick Rowland. His direction and story telling presents us with dribbling homicidal maniacs versus vulnerable victims within a small semi-rural community.
Terrible decisions and impossible demands set against characters with wildly varying moral compasses.
There’s so much at stake, and we yearn for the exploited to be able to exact some sort of revenge or at the very least be able to escape with their lives.
After 1hr 40mins, I was able to bring my shoulders back from round my ears.
Much like my favourite film of all time, WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, I have recommended CALM WITH HORSES to anyone I talk to about movies. I have yet to come across anyone who doesn’t love it. It should be far better regarded and certainly far better known than it is.
In my humble opinion, and without wanting to sound too trite, CALM WITH HORSES is a gritty modern classic with a huge heart.
Dominic Brunt