Hard watch

I’ve just joined Mubi (and can heartily recommend it!) which is why I’m now able to try and see so many films that I would never have thought of seeing before. So when we just had that wonderful Irish film with Barry Keoghan in (The Banshees of Inisherin), I thought I’d watch some more films he acts in. So I saw Bring Them Down the other day. And I must say, it was a hard watch.

I read somewhere that the film depicts paternalism, heritage and generational trauma cycles in Ireland. And boy, did it deliver. Gritty, rather violent, though just about watchable, it is classed as a revenge film, which would normally not be something I’d like to watch. But it was beautifully shot and most graphic stuff sort of happens out of sight, so the film kept me intrigued and I managed to finish it without looking away.

There’s not really that much of a story, and there’s not really that much of dialogue, but the emotional tension is palpable and you sort of get why people are struggling they way they are. And that is definitely the strong point of this film.

Which is why I think you may have a go, if you’re stomach is up for it, because it may be more rewarding than you would at first expect. The whole feel of the film surely stayed with me for a couple of days, which is another strong point.

So yes, I think I’ve got to give it a 4 out of 5 after all.

Adrian