Bring Them Down

The burden of family expectations and the corrosive effects of male violence run deep in Christopher Andrews’ gripping debut feature. Sheep farmer Michael (Abbott, Piercing, SFF 2018) is consumed by a long-ago tragedy and constantly berated by his embittered father (Irish great Colm Meaney). Jack (Saltburn’s Keoghan) is the meek-looking son of Michael’s neighbour and rival, Gary. A dispute over prized rams sees old wounds burst open and hostilities between them escalate. What seems a simple story becomes increasingly suspenseful – and bloody – as Andrews’ inventive screenplay brings new perspectives into play. Nora-Jane Noone is outstanding as Caroline, the sole woman in this whirlpool of poisonous male pride.