Bring Them Down

It's a conflict drama between neighboring Irish sheep farmers based on faulty talking, faulty listening, and quick tempers. Michael O'Shea (Christopher Abbott) lives with his bitter, disabled father, Ray (Colm Meaney). Before the titles, we learn that 20 years before, Michael recklessly drove a car into an accident that killed his mother, who had just told Michael she was leaving his father, and seriously injured his girlfriend, Caroline (Nora-Jane Noone). Caroline eventually married the next-door farmer, Gary (Paul Ready), and they had a son, now an older teenager, Jack (Barry Keoghan).

Events unfold in escalating hostility between the neighbors, though Caroline tries to maintain the peace. The film's first half tells the story from Michael's perspective; the second half is more from Jack's perspective. When seen together, we learn that accusations based on faulty assumptions and distorted memories lead to increasing violence. The film ends when things have gone too far.

"Bring Them Down" has a double meaning--bringing the sheep down from the hills in winter and bringing down the evil neighbor. The non-linear nature of the story demands focused attention throughout but is rewarding. Abbott, Keoghan, and Noone are excellent. Meaney is memorable but a bit clichéd.

My wife and I watched the Irish film 🇮🇪 Bring Them Down (2024) in theaters this evening. The storyline follows two Irish families struggling to survive for different reasons. Their sheep share the same hill, which causes one family to take advantage of the situation to try and get ahead. Violence ensues to protect their livestock and future.

This film is directed by Christopher Andrews, in his directorial debut, and stars Barry Keoghan (Saltburn), Christopher Abbott (Possessor), Colm Meaney (Layer Cake), and Nora-Jane Noone (The Descent).

This is one of those films that gives you a glimpse into a unique and unpredictable lifestyle of survival. The acting is elite, but the cinematography is even better, with beautiful landscapes and backdrops. The dog-eat-dog world of their circumstances is well depicted and sad. There are some unbelievable twists and turns, and the movie does a great job of telling the story from both families' perspectives. The conclusion is the only way the journey could end.

In conclusion, Bring Them Down is a fascinating and unique circumstantial drama that's worth a watch. I would score this 7.5/10 and recommend watching it once.

The story begins with significant potential, particularly following the extensive buildup that led me to anticipate a conclusion that would be equally, if not more, impactful.

However, the writing had different ideas.

Issues emerge as the second half unfolds, particularly when the plot opts for a non-linear approach and delves determinedly into flashbacks.

The established rhythm and momentum plummeted dramatically. While there were a few intriguing characters and relationship dynamics to dig into, the script only skimmed the surface, resulting in a futile tale of 'Vengeance' that ultimately delivered no meaningful impact.

69TH CORK FILM FEST - #3 (PREMIERE + Q&A)

A fast-paced revenge film that never has a dull moment that somehow manages to pull of the impossible, in my opinion. The entire cast do a fantastic job, but the standout would have to be Nora-Jane Murphy, Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbot (who's accent is unreal for an American). Both do so much more with their respective roles than anyone else. The themes of abuse, violence and the inability to properly communicate are very welded in here. They are also very current in our world at the moment, so they really spoke to me. I'm very excited to revisit this one on general release.

Bring Them Down: A savage tale of feuding hill farmers, sheep stoen, sheep mutilated, just their legs cut off to be sold. All tied in with a car crash which took place twenty years before but the consequences of which still impinge on pent day events. This was advertised as being partially a comedy but the few comedic moments are bleak and the laughter will likely choke in yiur throat. Not just animals but humans also suffer terrible deaths and injuries. In the second half of the film some of the events we have already observed are revisited and we achieve a clearer understanding of what is really going on. Non-linear narratives often enhance a film but I don't believe it does so in this instance. Good performances from Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Christopher Abbot, Paul Ready and Nora-Jane Noone even if Keoghan is getting a bit long on the tooth to be playing a teenager. Maybe an Irish Hatfields & McCoys or a Beckettian Bog Western. Written and Directed by Christopher Andrews. 7/10.