Calm with Horses

In a remote Irish community, a former boxer struggles to get clean and reconnect with his young son. His life takes a turn when he becomes entangled with a dangerous local drug-dealing family, forcing him into increasingly violent acts to protect his family and his own future.

Calm with Horses received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and gritty portrayal of rural crime. Some critics found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable, but the overall consensus highlighted its compelling performances and bleakly effective mood.

• Praised for its intense atmosphere and compelling performances, particularly from its lead actors.

• The film's exploration of poverty, violence, and fractured family dynamics was frequently highlighted.

• Some noted that while competently made, the story didn't always break new ground in the crime-drama genre.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's strong acting and its grim, realistic depiction of life in a troubled community. The performances of the lead actors were often cited as a major strength, though some viewers found the plot to be somewhat slow-moving.

Nominated for Best Film at the 2020 British Independent Film Awards.

Barry Keoghan's character, Dympna, is a significant departure from his more often 'troubled youth' roles, showcasing his range as a menacing, but also somewhat pathetic, figure.