Review by duncplus

Many reviewers are describing Enys Men as a folk horror film. This is sort of correct, but is also likely to lead viewers to approach the film with expectations that will not be met. This is an experimental film with little overt plot. Perhaps it's an abstraction of folk horror, or maybe just a film that uses some folk horror techniques.

The camera work goes from breathtaking panoramas to the smallest details: cracks in rocks, lichen, gorse, gulls. The sound design is thoughtful, powerful and central to the film. Both together capture such a strong sense of place, making Enys Men very immersive.

The story does not explain itself or resolve in a clear way. Some people will find this frustrating. Indeed, I found it frustrating at first, because I had gone into the cinema expecting a folk horror movie with the fairly standard tropes and story arc of the genre. But that's not what this is.

This film is experimental, slow, and leaves you plenty of space for interpretation. To me, it's a film about the power of place, our connection with the past, ritual, and grief. I'd really recommend this fascinating and unusual film, just try to leave your genre expectations behind!