Shepherd - Fluch der Vergangenheit

Well you know it's going to be slow as it is based on one man alone on an island so don't go in looking for a high octane thriller. The film itself is well enough made with a lower budget than many get but I have to say that having immersed myself into the solitude of the subject I didn't get any real satisfaction from the ending. I guess many will have their own interpretation on the meaning of it all. Me, I wanted a little more clarity.

Every now and again you come across a film that you don't expect to be different to the norm, but this one kept me guessing throughout and was genuinely frightening at times. If you liked the Woman in Black or any of those Lighthouse keeper films then you are going to appreciate the haunted nature of landscape in this. Filmed on Mull, it probably did not cost a lot but stands up to most of the US-CGI type stuff you see these days. Loved Greta Scaachi and Kate Dickie's performances. Won't spoil it but well worth your time and thank you to the team that created it, will keep an eye out for more from this director.

We know, we know...lighthouses and loneliness make you crazy. When you've recently lost a wife, it's not a good idea to take a job herding sheep in the middle of nowhere. Bound to be some ghosts.

Every frame was intentional. Although some may find the film too slow, I enjoyed and appreciated every minute. Beautifully done in EVERY area!!

From the gorgeous open stark and rugged landscapes, to the reflections on water puddles and window.....this movie was done with intent behind every millisecond!!

The camera shots were smooth and varied and came from unexpected angles and views.

The score or music added significantly to the atmosphere seamlessly without over riding the other expressions.

The acting was superbly understated and there were some wonderful symbolism within this story.

The actual screenplay was just a little less tight than everything else for me. Perhaps (I'm guessing here) that it was a cultural/national subtlety that didn't translate as clearly.... But, again, It was SUBTLE and everything else was so generously and perfectly executed that it didn't effect my enjoyment or appreciation for this film.

Shepherd is a quiet focused film on the tragedy and grief of a man (and his dog) who leaves his home taking residence on an isolated island to tend to sheep. He's mourning the death of his wife, but given the reticence of this character, all we know is that she died. The woman who instructs him on his duties, and who will bring supplies, takes on a meancing nature as the lead starts his descent into isolation reacrion. Is it psychosis or supernatural? The film continues with elements increasing in their bizarre nature and displays some surreal visions. At the end, we find one piece of the puzzle from the lead character, helping to have some satisfaction at the end without full clarity given.

Tom Hughes does well in carrying this film as he is largely alone on screen. He portrays the numbness of grief expertly, and he manages a realistic depiction of that descent into Hell or madness without falling into stereotypical behaviors or characterizations. His performance makes the resolution and uncertainty credible for the film's end.