The Droving

I really enjoyed this modern day twist on a dark folk tale,the scenery is amazing and really gives an otherworldly feel to the film. The main actor was really good too, well done! Good spooky film for a cold, wet June night in lockdown!

A slow-burning British horror that's about as unconventional as they come, 'The Droving' is a treat for anyone who can accept its pace and minimalist approach.

The story is about Martin, a military man who returns home to search for his lost sister who went missing around the time of a mysterious festival known as The Droving.

It's hard to say much without spoiling it, but this is the type of folk horror that relies heavily on its atmosphere, with the setting and dialogue contributing immensely. The film gradually builds up its unease through Martin's solo investigation; the tension snowballs into an uncomfortable knot in the stomach as he makes discoveries, before uncoiling into something despicable and ambiguous.

Overall, 'The Droving' is refreshingly different yet atmospherically potent, suppressing the urge to go full-on horror without sacrificing all the feelings fans of the genre are well acquainted with.

7.5/10

Visually striking from the first image of the man on the pier to to the final close up. The exterior country side shots are just lovely. Bringing you in with a false sense of serenity before hitting you with the tension. It's very deliberately paced. There's something about the tone that reminds me a bit of a Ben Wheatley's stuff, a little Kill List-esque.

The animal masks designs are really cool.

One thing that really stuck me was the music and score. The opening song is especially good and the score is appropriately haunting and eerie throughout. The actors are all solid, a few of the smaller parts are a little weak, but the leads are all good.

Revenge is never what it's cracked up to be. The emotion in the last stretch hits hard. and loved the end (no spoilers) Big recommend.

The Droving has already been compared to The Wicker Man, Midsommer, even Kill List, plus several other "folk horror" films. And that's OK. But it's its own film, whichever category you want to place it in.

First, the setting - the English Lake District, which apart from being glorious, beautiful and haunting (watch it again to identify all your favourite spots) has its own folk legends and superstitions. Many of which are touched on here. It's a fabulous, atmospheric and immersive film in this respect alone.

Then, the imagery. Landscapes, set scenes, long static shots, all add to the scope and beauty of the film. Colours are often bright then subdued - I'd love to see this in the cinema.

The story - the word haunting comes up again, but also in turn horrific, tragic, and shocking. Perhaps a bit of a slow burner to begin, but things soon get moving. Not too shabby an ending either...

Finally, the score. It fits perfectly, whether its following the scenic shots or the more intense scenes, composer Matthew Laming has done it large and well.

If you're into folk horror, this is a 10/10. If you're into thrillers, it's still a 10/10. Give it a go, and if if ever appears in the cinema, I'll be first in the queue.

This is the second folk horror feature directed by George Popov and written by Popov and Jonathan Russell.

Although the film does not feel derivative, we can certainly see the influence of classics of the genre, like The Wicker Man and Kill List. There is also something of Get Carter in here too.

The film is at its best when concentrating on the impressive landscapes and the main protagonist. Some of the other performers are not as strong and the climax is let down slightly by this.

However, the film has a good story and score and is definitely worth a watch for fans of the folk horror genre, who will find plenty to enjoy in it.