I'd heard of neither director/writer Jeremy Saulnier nor of principal actor Macon Blair who carries the entire weight of the film and is, in fact, hardly off-screen at all.
Little, if any, background information is provided when we see the unkempt and straggly-bearded Blair at the start, apparently a hobo leading an aimless life in small-town Virginia. When he learns that someone who killed both his parents is about to be released from prison he's determined to exact revenge, which he does but without thought that he himself would then become a target as a consequence. Undergoing a radical transformation by having a shave and tidy-up, it's then a matter of his awaiting and being prepared for his pursuers before he becomes their victim, while also attempting to secure the safety of those near him who could additionally be targeted for further vengeance
It's a simple but suspenseful tale. He learns, as do we, of the motive behind the murders which started off this chain of events. There were at least two points in the story where I was reminded, bizarrely, of 'Home Alone' and, more pertinently, 'Straw Dogs'.
Macon Blair takes on the central role brilliantly and credibly, conveying well his internal struggles between self-preservation and the utter distaste for his necessary actions.
At a sensible ninety minutes this film shows yet again that one doesn't need a sprawling discourse of epic length nor a bank-busting budget to deliver good quality entertainment. Well recommended, though one does need to have a strong stomach for more than one of the happenings............................7.5.
Humm interesting....just seen calvary
ReplyDeleteWill review later
This is a modest film, J.G., but no less effective for all that - and superior in terms of entertainment than most of what Ive seen so far this year.
DeleteGlad you saw 'Calvary'. I'll be surprised if you didn't think it was very good, and I'll be doubly chuffed if my favourable opinion swayed you into making the effort to see. I await your verdict.
I spent the early morning watching this and I have to say that I totally agree with your review. What I found astounding was the transformation of Blair, particularly with his eyes. A remarkable film..
ReplyDeleteI hadn't noticed Blair's eyes particularly, Paul, but now you've said it I want to watch it again to have a look. His transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. Makes me wonder anew what so many unfortunate homeless men (and women) would look like when they've had a chance to recover their cleanliness and dignity. How many 'jewels' remain hidden and, indeed, scorned, under the dirt?
DeleteGlad you liked it. I expected that you would.
I don't see this listed in our area. there might be some bits where I might have to put my hands on my eyes... but I will keep the name and wait for the dvd
ReplyDeleteIt's at our local 'art-house' cine, Sol.
DeleteAlthough there are several points at which I had to avert my eyes there is just the one that is held and lingers for several seconds. But as whole it's a film well worth catching up on sometime, which I think would work almost as well on a small screen.