Since his breakthrough feature 'Bait' in 2019, British director Mark Jenkin has turned many heads with his unique low-budget style of film-making and storytelling that continues to show what can be done with little resources.
It might not be a style for the masses, but it is certainly one that can be appreciated and loved by lovers of the art of film and film-making.
When I got the chance to catch a preview screening of his first feature release since 'Bait', I had to see what Jenkin has in store both in narrative and in style.
In terms of the latter, it is more of the same grainy old-school home-video look with a purposeful yet engrossing sound design. As for the narrative, there is something to be explored. It's certainly not straightforward. But what is lacking in plot is made up for in style and the atmosphere it has created.
It is hard to know whether what is happening on screen is real, a dream, echoes of the past or even hallucinations that have manifested from someone's head. What I definitely got was themes of isolation, grief and paying homage to British folklore stories.
It managed to be one of those rare viewing experiences, where you almost don't care if it makes sense or not. What matters is that it makes you drawn to it, making you feel something and you cannot explain why.
A lot of this helped by lead actor Mary Woodvine. While she might not have much dialogue or others actors to work with for the most part, her presence, expressions and reactions seem to work perfectly with Jenkin's style.
There's no real drawbacks that I felt was noticeable. So I guess it is just a matter of personal taste and it is certainly not for everyone. It actually makes 'Bait' feel completely accessible. So it might be worth seeing that out first before discovering this.
But if you like a film that it focuses more on atmosphere and messing with your senses, then this might be worth giving a chance.
It is a strange viewing experience no doubt about it. But there is something about it that is hard to ignore long after seeing it. I'm definitely a fan of Jenkin's look. From the dreamlike state the film is in throughout, to way the sound is created in post production makes it quite effectively unsettling.
Even though it doesn't play like your typical horror, this could play out as a psychological horror due to the type of reactions I certainly experienced during it.
So while I'm not surprised if people hate this, I certainly liked it and appreciated it. Jenkin is turning one of those film-makers that we didn't realise we needed. But I can tell he could be one of the most experimental directors we have right now and I'll be sure to check out more of his future projects.
Rating: 7/10
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