Lapwing

Really impressed by this bleak but beautiful slow burner. Hannah Douglas does wonders with her role as a young mute woman up against her controlling and terrifying brother in law (Emmett J. Scanlan). The landscape may be calm and peaceful but the relationships with their psychological, and ultimately physical, battles are anything but. Sebastian de Souza offers some heart to the proceedings and Sarah Whitehouse's tortured sister brings another emotional layer to a powerful and memorable picture. A welcome end of year surprise!

Tormenting and menacing, Lapwing, filmed in a picturesque setting on the Lincolnshire coast in just 16 days, meant that the production was rushed, but still provided stark contrast between setting and place.

The female mute perspective of Patience, with a 16th Century helplessness of women, provides aspects that can be carried across to modern day. The film contrasted this with a cathartic finish. Patience is the perfect name for this character, providing reflections of those who experience oppression even in a modern context, her silence speaks volumes.

Character development was flawed, matching the characters themselves. David was as menacing as his troubles, and the hatred the audience developed for him was not entirely devoid of compassion.

Characters that could have been developed further were the Egyptians, and the hardship faced by them, along with more references to the gypsy way of life, which was more of a footnote in the film. This would have excelled Lapwing into its true pinned wing vision, echoing the discrimination that immigrants faced both then and now.

Worth a watch for the scenery, violent emotive nature, and provocation it awakened in thought.

This is a stunning film, the Lincolnshire coastline is shown in all its evocative and stunning beauty. Fantastic cinematography creates tension and changing moods. The acting is first class. This is a difficult watch but the story it tells is bold, strong and very relevant to our lives today. Set in 1555 this is a powerful treatment of an oppressed woman's struggle against a powerful, toxic man and the treatment of refugees in the past both of which themes are as relevant today as they were in 1555. I intended to give this film 10/10 but sadly my finger slipped to 9 and I didn't notice in time.

You really get a sense of claustrophobia watching this, as you follow the story of a voiceless woman, trapped in a small community dominated by a jealous monster. This is in stark contrast to the beautifully shot vast landscape of the Lincolnshire coast. Some very disturbing scenes that will stay with we.

From a seemingly slow start this film grabs you with a menace which is shocking and visceral. While there is a lot of violence and sex it is justified. It is also beautifully shot and will stay with you for a long time afterwards. When the finale comes it is rewarding and satisfying. An unexpectedly great film.