Norfolk

A father and son living a solitary life in Norfolk are drawn into conflict when spectres of a painful past re-emerge. Shot with a variety of techniques, visually this is a film that stands out from most mainstream fare. Giving hints at the narrative rather than spoon-feeding it, what develops is an emotional and tense story that occasionally gets slowed down by some unusual scenes, but never becomes boring. French actor Denis Ménochet is the film's brooding centre as a rural mercenary drawn back into an old feud and hiding a lifetime's worth of pain and anger behind a motionless stare. Considering the relative lack of dialogue, there is a believable on-screen bond between him and Barry Keoghan as his son. This is essential to what makes the film work, particularly in the gripping final act. Its cryptic and surreal elements might put off some viewers, but beneath the gritty atmospherics is a heartfelt drama about family dynamics.