Happy New Year, Colin Burstead

I'm a big Wheatley fan, even though I think his films can be hit and miss. I had no anticipation for this film and watched it out of boredom really. The film has a constant underlined tension which you think will explode into a crescendo of violence that never happens. I look forward to rebecca.

Happy New Year, Colin Burstead shows that family gatherings can be extremely awkward and in the cynical hands of Ben Wheatley that is taken to its bleakest point. Everyone is depressed, sad and has a grudge to bear and watching it all come to the surface in furious fashion is the kind of cringe heavy experience that's impossible to look away from.

This is a cast of surprising star power considering the low budget feel and whilst everyone is on point, its the two brothers who really stand out. Neil Maskell's instant deflated energy and his multiple dramatic outbursts make Colin desensitised in a very human way and Sam Riley makes even the most seemingly heartwarming moment feel cold and calculated.

Ben Wheatley plays squarely to his low budget strengths, choosing the best way to shoot everything with deliberately disorientating cinematography from Laurie Rose that makes every argument even more chaotic. Clint Mansell takes a really bold swing with his score, going for the exact opposite of what this genre usually sounds like by making something that's unexpectedly mediaeval.

Ben Wheatley is a versatile director who will try his hand in any genre. This is not a guy who wants to be pigeonholed.

Happy New Year, Colin Burstead comes across as a modern Play for Today with Mike Leigh type improvisation. It was even co-produced by BBC Films.

The film aims to be Festen but is nowhere near as good.

I expected a dark tragicomedy and this fell way short. Maybe there was not enough time or money to work out the story.

Wheatley regular Neil Maskell is Colin Burstead who for various reasons is hosting a grand New Year's Eve party for his extended family at a country mansion that he has hired.

Colin believes in the importance of the family but yet seems impatient when they arrive. His demeanour is that of a man who is certainly not looking for a good time.

His dad is in financial trouble because he has lost money on a business venture. Colin gets upset when his philandering younger brother shows up, a man who abandoned his wife and kids.

Somewhere in here is a morality tale about broken, brexit Britain. I did not find it.

I'm a bit marmite on Ben Wheatley at the minute. I loved Kill List and Sightseers, thought a Field in England was utterly dull, as was High Rise. His last film Free Fire I hated - I know it was a parody on shoot em ups but didn't work for me. But there's no doubt the guy's talent. I enjoyed this latest made for TV drama was well made and observed with great acting - but I was hoping to find something I really cared about. It seems to be a British take on the brilliant Danish dogma film Festen - but not in the same league. Still, it was an enjoyable if unremarkable New Year's Eve watch with an excellent ensemble cast. 6 out of ten

No bells no whistles, just a tv play style offering that's reminiscent of the applauded series of the 1970's and 1980's. I thoroughly enjoyed it!