Movie of the Day: Bring Them Down (2024) by Chris Andrews
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/bring-them-down (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/bring-them-down (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/bring-them-down (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14186876/
Detailed Summary
Michael, the last son of a shepherding family, lives a solitary life with his ailing father, Ray, in rural Ireland, burdened by a terrible secret that has isolated him from the world. Their already precarious existence takes a dark turn when two of their prized rams are stolen, an act that ignites a violent and decades-long feud with their neighbors, Gary and his son Jack. The escalation of this conflict draws Michael into a devastating chain of events, forcing him to confront the horrors of his past and leaving both families permanently 1 fractured by the cycle of revenge and generational trauma.
Plot Summary
In rural Ireland, a long-standing feud between shepherding families escalates after the theft of prized rams, drawing a solitary young man and his ailing father into a violent conflict with tragic consequences.
Director's Vision
Christopher Andrews aimed to use the microcosm of two warring families in the harsh landscape of rural west Ireland to explore the prevalent instinct to retaliate against even the smallest slight, igniting a cycle of violence. He was also influenced by the theme of a missing parent and the impact of toxic masculinity passed down through generations. Andrews drew inspiration from filmmakers like Peckinpah and Kurosawa for action sequences and character development.
Themes
Revenge and Feuding: The film centers on a decades-long blood feud between neighboring families.
Generational Trauma: The cycle of violence and bitterness is rooted in past events and family history.
Toxic Masculinity: The story unfolds within a male-dominated environment where conflict and aggression are prevalent.
Isolation and Secrecy: Michael lives a solitary life burdened by a terrible secret.
Paternalism and Heritage: The shepherding legacy and family traditions play a significant role in the characters' actions.
Key Success Factors
The film features strong performances from its lead actors, including Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan. The atmospheric and gritty portrayal of rural Ireland, captured through its cinematography, also contributes to the film's impact. The awards won at various film festivals highlight the film's compelling storytelling and direction.
Summary Short
In rural Ireland, a quiet shepherding family is drawn into a brutal feud with their neighbors after a theft, forcing them to confront past secrets and triggering a cycle of violence.
Awards and Nominations
"Bring Them Down" won the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director at the 2024 British Independent Film Awards. It also won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Filmfestival and the Main Competition Award for Best Picture at Fantastic Fest in 2024. Additionally, it won Best Screenplay at the Rome Film Fest in 2024 and was nominated for Best Film at the BFI London Film Festival and the Rome Film Fest.
Critics Reception
"Bring Them Down" has received mixed reviews from critics.
Metacritic: Assigned the film a score of 60 out of 100 based on 7 critic reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.
Rotten Tomatoes: Reports a 71% positive rating based on 17 critics' reviews.
Reviews
Reviews offer varied perspectives on the film:
The GATE: Found the film dour and grim, lacking a compelling reason to care, describing it as "potent, but empty misery."
Film Ireland Magazine: Describes the film as a revenge tale between feuding farmers in rural Ireland, highlighting the fracturing of family throughout.
Directors Notes: Notes the thriller uses the backdrop of warring families in rural Ireland to explore the prevalent instinct for revenge and the influence of a missing parent.
IMDb User Reviews: Some users found the film engaging with great acting and cinematography, while others noted the story was a bit of a mess and thinly stretched.
Box Office
"Bring Them Down" has grossed $336,339 in the US and Canada, with a worldwide total of $567,895.
Production
"Bring Them Down" is an Irish-UK-US-Belgian co-production directed and written by Christopher Andrews, starring Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, produced by MUBI, Screen Ireland, Tailored Films, Wild Swim Films, and Frakas Productions, with a runtime of 105 minutes.
Production Companies
MUBI (United Kingdom)
Screen Ireland (Ireland)
Tailored Films (Ireland)
Wild Swim Films (United Kingdom)
Frakas Productions (Belgium)
Sales Companies
Charades Films is handling the international sales for "Bring Them Down."
Distribution Companies
MUBI is distributing "Bring Them Down" in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Release Date on Streaming
"Bring Them Down" will be available for streaming on MUBI starting March 28, 2025.
Theatrical Release
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. It was released theatrically in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States on February 7, 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Strong Performances from Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan: Both actors deliver compelling and intense portrayals.
Atmospheric and Grim Setting: The rural Irish landscape enhances the film's dark and brooding tone.
Critically Recognized Debut: Christopher Andrews won awards for his directorial debut.
Why to Watch Movie
For a Bleak and Intense Thriller: The film offers a dark exploration of revenge and its consequences.
To See a Story Set in Rural Ireland: Provides a glimpse into a unique cultural and geographical backdrop.
For Fans of Independent Cinema: "Bring Them Down" is a well-crafted independent production.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Rural Crime Thrillers: The film aligns with the trend of thrillers set in isolated, rural communities, often exploring long-held secrets and violence.
Revenge Thrillers: The core narrative revolves around themes of revenge and escalating conflict.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Generational Conflict and Trauma: The film touches on how past traumas and conflicts can be passed down through generations, leading to continued cycles of violence.
Land Disputes and Rural Issues: The rivalry between farming families highlights potential social issues related to land ownership and rural livelihoods.
Final Verdict
"Bring Them Down" is a grim and atmospheric thriller that explores the destructive nature of revenge and the enduring impact of the past on the present. While some critics found it bleak, the strong performances and striking setting make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate dark and intense character-driven dramas.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Utilize Setting to Enhance Mood and Theme: The harsh Irish landscape plays a significant role in the film's atmosphere.
Focus on Intense Character Studies: The film's strength lies in the performances and the exploration of the characters' inner turmoil.
Don't Shy Away from Bleak and Uncomfortable Truths: The film offers a raw and unflinching look at violence and its consequences.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Debut Filmmakers with Strong Visions: Christopher Andrews' debut has garnered recognition.
Recognize the Appeal of Regional and Character-Driven Stories: Films set in specific cultural and geographical locations can resonate with audiences.
Continue to Provide Platforms for Independent Cinema: MUBI's involvement in production and distribution highlights the importance of these platforms for unique voices.
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