The Droving

The Droving (2020) is a story of loss, grief, trauma, revenge, and the role that one's belief has in how they cope with their suffering. Without giving too much away, this film is essentially a cult movie without the cult. The Droving has many of the tropes of a cult film (mysterious disappearance, traditional festival, folklore, discrepancy between the mundane aspects of daily life and the supernatural elements of belief), but focuses primarily on Martin (Daniel Oldroyd) and his emotional journey set forth by the beliefs of another. At only 80 minutes, this film quickly gets to the point - which helps to keep the focus on "what will happen next?" rather than lingering on the mystery of what happened in the past. The great performances of this small cast bring an intimacy to this film what will keep you engaged and give you a LOT to discuss by the end!!

Set in a beautiful location with a creepy Wicker Man village vibe, the tension and sinister feel slowly builds in this great indie thriller. Also really liked the opening score, it sets the haunting tone of this film well.

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.

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.

Within minutes the haunting soundtrack during the opening credits sets a precedent for the entire movie. Playing alongside scenes of the breath-taking British countryside, the atmospheric score puts the movie on a high pedestal. And I'm pleased to say it meets every expectation from thereon.

The movie itself has an air of nostalgia about it. Almost like watching The Wickerman for the first time again. Yet, George Popov manages to steer 'The Droving' down its own path, taking us on a unique voyage of mystery, suspense and folklore. Filmed in Cumbria, featuring the rolling hills and stunning landscape of the Lake District, 'The Droving' features an enthralling storyline that slowly unravels keeping us guessing all the way.

Daniel Oldroyd stars as the lead character, Martin; a tormented soldier whose complex characteristics are brilliantly portrayed. Martin initially comes across as a friendly, down-to-earth guy, albeit sometimes blunt and straightforward. Yet, as the movie progresses the complexities of his character start to surface, with a driven, focused and sometimes callous demeanour replacing his previous niceties. Oldroyd's portrayal of his character's oscillating mental state was perfectly executed and kept the movie flowing from beginning to end.

Overall, 'The Droving' was a breath of fresh air in an industry that often feels stagnant with the same, tired methodology. The combined efforts of Popov and Jonathan Russell seem to be able to draw on the influences of British classics, yet give them a unique identity of their own. With stories that resonate with an audience eager for something new, there's no telling what heights their next venture can take them