The latest film from the stable of local public opinion divider George Clarke come to us by way of Norway and round through East Belfast to land quite uncomfortably on our screens. I say uncomfortably because the film deals with some dark and genuinely unnerving subject matter. This is a serious film, but that doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining, infact the first half roars along at a thunderous pace and is a master class in tense dynamic storytelling. There’s more twists and turns than the road to El Paso. Robert Render and Anthony Boyle have more chemistry than Walter White on a school night and the relationship keeps building and as the story unfolds, you’re constantly sitting wondering where it’s going to go next. This is the kind of movie where the less you know about it going in the better, but the basic premise is that 2 guys wake up chained to each other and with a gun elephant taped to their hands. Neither can remember what they’re doing there or why. Intriguing from the off, as often the simple premises are the best.
The film employs a cold yellowy pallet and technically George and Co have come a long way. The use of well placed edits, lens flare and subtle after effects produce a picture that looks well beyond it’s £100 budget. The filming in Norway gives the film a different look from George’s previous films and their Urban setting. As much of it takes place in a forest we feel that our characters are acting more animalistic and base than usual, stripped back of technology and the confines of city living.
Chapter 2 is darker in tone, colour pallet and subject matter. It’s an altogether slower and more methodical psychological thriller. There’s an almost ethereal feel to some scenes, with the exploration of loss, grief and the lengths it will take us to. The pace shifts completely between the first and second chapter, catching us off guard as it shifts down a gear and explores repercussions in thought provoking real time. Although ultimately as the film reaches it’s ending we once again find our selves on a rapid fire roller coaster of twists and turns that ultimately brings blood shed and carnage. Robert Render is a menacing presence, unnerving and unpredictable. I preferred Chapter 1 to Chapter 2, but realise the merit of both and enjoyed the chance to explore this story from 2 different sides, perhaps Chapter 3 and beyond will give us greater insight in the future!
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