Gwen

Gwen: A dark film set in even darker Welsh valleys and stoney mountain fields. The people are non-conformists, plain, unadorned crosses in their homes. But at the chapel it is clear that this is not a radical form of dissent, the minister praises the bounty of the bleak mountains and quarries. Things go bad for Gwen (Eleanor Worthington Cox) and her family, her father is away at war. blight strikes the potato crops, an animal heart is nailed to their door, their sheep are slaughtered. it rains even more incessantly than in Angela's Ashes. The quarry owner is intent on buying their land. An eerie atmosphere of dread builds up as the cinematography of Adam Etherington makes good use of dark and shadows, figures emerge from the mist, both the living and the dead. Gwen's mother (Maxine Peak) uses folk rites to combat the perceived curse on her family.

A tale of folk horror related in a gothic style reminiscent of Wuthering Heights yet also incorporating elements of The Witch. Evil is abroad but the real malevolence may be the quotidian horror of an impoverished people being manipulated into mob violence by their exploiter, A slow moving film which won't be to everyone's taste and the bleakness may even put Folk Horror aficionados off. But both Cox and Peak put in powerful performances. Writer/Director William McGregor has delivered an interesting addition to the British Folk Horror Canon. 8/10.

So this is a strange, dark, and brooding film. I admit I chose the film because of the blurb, once again. Luckily, this time it worked to my favour. The promotional text states this is a folktale set in Wales and for this, I picked it up. However, it's not. I cannot see this story being passed down from generation to generation as there's little morality within. There's also little superstition which is also a major element to folktales.

I should have been upset as I chose this for my Friday Night is Fright Night viewing pleasure. As the story progressed and nothing supernatural happened, even though it is hinted at, I still couldn't feel let down. This is due to one main fact. This is a good film.

It is a strong historical drama that exudes atmosphere, all of it dark. The director, William McGregor is a master at his art. I would gladly watch more by this man if they're all this good. The only drawback is the story, written also by McGregor, which is basic, to say the least. However, that isn't too big a hindrance as the direction and acting lift the film above the story.

McGregor uses his cast ascetically. For the most part, there's very little dialogue the characters tell their story through their actions. You know the sisters are close and loving as they sleep in the same bed. The older one tickles and plays with the younger. When the family walk anywhere the two girls are side by side. You even know who the bad guys of the play are even though they seldom speak. In fact, it's because McGregor records some of their speech in hushed tones, too quiet to make out, that your mind informs you they are up to no good. You also know that this small family isn't completely trusted or thought of in high praise by the community from the furtive glances they receive. I think it's because your mind engages to pick up these nuances that this film is so powerful.

All of this also adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the film. Even the slow pace of the film works to add an unease and an eerieness to the proceedings. Though the tempo of the film is slow it never feels sluggish. Truth be told, when the film ended I was surprised. I hadn't even realised I'd been watching for an hour and a half. I wanted more. I wanted it to continue.

This is not only down to the wonderful direction of the film - the iconic shots, the use of light, the landscape, and the constant howling wind - but also with thanks to the great cast.

Maxine Peake is a wonderful actress and I will check out a film or a series should she be in the cast. Unfortunately, this included the dreadful Keeping Rosy, of which she was the strongest cast member - should've had this guy directing. However, she's on top form as the stoic mother, Elen. This woman gives new meaning to strength. Being alone in the Welsh wilderness bringing up two girls and running a farm... her portrayal is worth watching this film for alone.

Though it's Eleanor Worthington-Cox as the title role, Gwen, who shines the strongest. Life for a teenage girl was much different back then. Cox superbly embodies the strength required to survive in the dire conditions, as well as showing love and concern for her sister and mother, both of which are different. She also expresses the eagerness of youth. All of this is performed subtly and falls perfectly into the context of the movie.

I would highly recommend this picture to historical drama lovers and lovers of film alike. I would also say; if there are any filmmakers out there who want to know what atmosphere looks like, sounds like, tastes like, feels like, then watch this film. I am so glad I did.

Look... It's a grim story, I get it. But once you decide not to use that as a criticism there's a lot to commend this movie for. The acting is utterly convincing. Peake and Worthington Cox are at their best. It takes its time. At one point the camera stays on Gwen as she falls asleep - her eyes gradually closing and her breathing getting deeper - that's typical of the pace. It's not overly dramatic (I can barely remember the musical soundtrack - which is sparse and acoustic). But it is desperately brutal. The cinematography is beautiful - reminiscent of softly lit 17th century Dutch master interiors - no glaring light or colour - muted pallets. Story wise I know nothing of the background but you can bet someone discovered the terrible way some small farmers were treated by the Welsh mining corporations in the nineteenth century and thought - "Right - I'm going to tell their story - people need to know about this!" And if that's true - great job! Summed up in the movies pivotal line: "If you steal a sheep they take your hand, if you steal a mountain they make you a Lord". Writing this review has made me realise I enjoyed it more than I thought! This struggling little family stay with you...

How on earth does this only rate a 6? The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. The storyline is highly suspenseful, the underlying message is compelling and outrageous. Perhaps it's not wise these days to portray unbridled capitalism in a negative light. Granted, there were some dramatic liberties taken, but the brutal enclosure movement, the rape of the countryside, and the outlandish greed and cruel masochism of early unregulated industrialism is no fairy tale. I recommend this film.

Not all that much happens in this one... and yet I still really enjoyed it.

First off the entire movie is visually breathtaking. Every shot I would hang up on my wall. The acting is also superb, the mother and older daughter really killed it. This is by far a slow burn and kind of lethargic but very atmospheric and still somehow engaging.

I want to say I would have loved to see the plot beefed up a bit, and I do ultimately feel this way... however, there was a real charm to the way this was executed. Some people will say this is a bore fest, and they should stick to their Marvel movies. Would recommend.