The Droving

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.

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.

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

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.