New Movies: Shoulders (2025) by Jamie Flatters: A Psychological War Film in the Scottish Highlands
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 9
- 9 min read
Shoulders (2025) is the feature directorial debut of Jamie Flatters, who also wrote and produced the film. Inspired by Lord of the Flies, this psychological war film follows eight isolated soldiers at a northern post in rural Scotland. With no lieutenant or weapons, they become insulated in their "war-torn playground," deluding themselves into believing an unknown enemy invasion is imminent. The film delves into themes of paranoia, psychological turmoil, and the blurring lines between reality and hallucination, exploring how isolation and fear can lead to collective delusion and the breakdown of order.
Short Summary
Jamie Flatters' directorial debut, Shoulders (2025), is a psychological war film about eight isolated soldiers in rural Scotland who, without weapons or command, descend into paranoia and collective delusion while awaiting an unknown enemy.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30970428/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/shoulders (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/shoulders (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/shoulders (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/shoulders (Canada)
Detailed Summary
Shoulders (2025) is a psychological war film that marks the feature directorial debut of Jamie Flatters, who is also credited as the writer and producer. Flatters, known for his acting roles in Avatar: The Way of Water and the critically acclaimed indie film Black Dog (which he also wrote and starred in), brings a unique vision to this project. Inspired by Lord of the Flies, the film follows eight young soldiers stationed at a remote northern post in rural Scotland, specifically near the village of Invergarry.
The soldiers are tasked with watching for an enemy invasion but are stripped of their lieutenant and weapons, forcing them to train and conspire among themselves. In their "insulated within their own war-torn playground," sticks and hands become guns, and cupped palms become grenades, as they desperately try to restore order and anticipate an unseen threat. The film's aesthetic is black and white, reminiscent of Ben Wheatley's A Field in England, utilizing expansive long shots and intense close-ups to convey violence, solitude, and stress. The narrative explores how lines between hallucination and reality become increasingly blurred, emphasizing the paranoia and psychological turmoil faced by the protagonists as they lose their collective minds in the desolate Scottish Highlands. The film was shot over two weeks with a small cast and crew of 14, in an environment without electricity or running water, a struggle that Flatters believes made the actors "buy into their characters more."
Plot Summary
Isolated Post: Eight young soldiers are stationed at a remote northern post in rural Scotland, tasked with watching for an enemy invasion.
Loss of Command and Weapons: Their lieutenant goes missing, and they find themselves without any weapons, leaving them vulnerable and undirected.
Descent into Delusion: With no clear enemy or command, the group becomes insulated, engaging in "make-believe" warfare where sticks and hands become weapons, and empty cupped palms are grenades.
Psychological Warfare: As isolation and paranoia set in, the lines between hallucination and reality blur, leading to collective delusion and internal conflict among the all-male unit.
Search for Order: They conspire among themselves to understand the nature of the unseen threat and attempt to restore some semblance of order in their increasingly chaotic environment.
Unclear Outcome: The film explores their psychological breakdown as they await an enemy that may or may not exist, culminating in an ambiguous or unsettling conclusion.
Director's Vision
Jamie Flatters' directorial vision for Shoulders (2025) is deeply rooted in exploring the human psyche under extreme duress, drawing inspiration from philosophical and artistic masters. His vision emphasizes:
Psychological Exploration: Flatters aims for a "weird and woozy exploration of the human psyche," focusing on how isolation, fear, and collective delusion affect the minds of the soldiers.
Philosophical Sensibility: Influenced by directors like Federico Fellini and Andrei Tarkovsky, he seeks to inject a philosophical depth into a character-led piece.
Visual Storytelling: The choice of a black and white aesthetic and specific cinematography (mimicking Wes Anderson's formality then breaking into handheld for chaos) is central to conveying the film's themes of solitude, stress, and paranoia.
Immersion Through Struggle: The challenging filming conditions (no electricity or running water) were intentionally embraced to enhance the actors' connection to their characters' suffering and isolation.
Deconstruction of War: The film is described as a "timeless war film" that focuses less on traditional combat and more on the psychological impact of waiting for an unknown enemy, and the internal "war-torn playground."
Pushing Boundaries: Flatters made the film independently after producers found his previous script "too weird," indicating a commitment to unconventional and boundary-pushing narratives.
Key Themes
Psychological Decay/Breakdown: The core theme explores how isolation, fear of the unknown, and lack of external structure lead to the mental and emotional deterioration of the soldiers.
Reality vs. Illusion: The blurring lines between what is real and what is imagined, fueled by paranoia and collective delusion, is central to the film's surrealist elements.
The Nature of War: Beyond physical combat, the film examines the psychological toll of waiting for war, the internal conflicts, and how humanity can create its own "enemy" in the absence of one.
Loss of Order and Leadership: The absence of a lieutenant and weapons forces the men to confront their own instincts and attempt to establish new forms of control, often leading to chaos.
Human Vulnerability: Despite their military training, the soldiers are shown to be susceptible to their fears and the psychological impact of their environment.
Masculinity and Group Dynamics: As an "all male, all boys unit," the film implicitly explores how group dynamics and peer influence contribute to their collective delusion.
Key Success Factors
Ambitious Directorial Debut: Jamie Flatters' established acting career and his bold move into directing with a complex psychological film generate significant interest.
Intriguing Premise: The Lord of the Flies-inspired scenario of isolated soldiers descending into madness is inherently captivating.
Strong Visual Aesthetic: The black and white cinematography and the use of expansive Scottish landscapes contribute to a unique and atmospheric viewing experience.
Focus on Psychological Depth: The film's commitment to exploring internal turmoil over external action offers a more profound and thought-provoking experience.
Independent Spirit: The challenging production conditions and Flatters' dedication to his vision highlight a raw, authentic approach to filmmaking.
Awards and Nominations
As of early June 2025, Shoulders (2025) had its world premiere at the Clapham International Film Festival on November 27, 2024. While specific competitive awards or nominations have not been widely announced, its selection for this festival marks a significant debut for Jamie Flatters as a director.
Critical Reception
Early critical reception for Shoulders (2025) notes its ambition and visual style but points to some narrative shortcomings.
FILMHOUNDS Magazine: Described it as "Ambitious Yet Bland And Jarring," noting its "Lord of the Flies inspired psychological war film" premise and its black and white aesthetic reminiscent of A Field in England. However, it criticized a "lack of character depth and confusing execution," stating it "fails to deliver a cohesive plot, and lacks clear character arcs and motivations."
Overall, while praised for its visual artistry and thematic ambition, initial reviews suggest the execution of its complex psychological narrative might be challenging for some viewers.
Reviews
Audience and wider critical reviews for Shoulders (2025) are still emerging following its festival premiere and limited releases. Based on early critical comments, reviews are likely to discuss:
Visual Style: The black and white cinematography and the use of the Scottish landscape will likely be a highlight, appreciated for its atmospheric qualities.
Psychological Intensity: Whether the film effectively conveys the paranoia and mental breakdown of the soldiers.
Narrative Clarity: Some viewers may find the surrealist elements and lack of a clear plot challenging or confusing.
Character Development: How well the individual soldiers are differentiated and if their arcs are compelling enough.
Jamie Flatters' Direction: Comments will focus on his debut as a feature director, comparing it to his acting work and his stated vision.
Production Summary
Shoulders (2025) is the feature directorial debut of Jamie Flatters, who also wrote and produced the film. The film was shot over two weeks in rural Invergarry, Scotland, with a small cast and crew of 14, operating on a "micro budget" without electricity or running water. This challenging production environment was intentionally used to immerse the actors in their roles. The film is associated with Our Second Cousin studio.
Production Companies
The film is associated with Our Second Cousin studio. Jamie Flatters is credited as a writer, director, and producer for the film.
Distribution Companies
Apple TV (iTunes) is listed as a platform where Shoulders (2025) is available, indicating a digital distribution strategy. Prime Video also lists the film for rent.
Streaming Release Date
Shoulders (2025) is listed with a 2025 release year on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video.
Theatrical Release
Shoulders (2025) had its world premiere at the Clapham International Film Festival on November 27, 2024. While it may have limited festival screenings, a wide traditional theatrical release is not currently confirmed.
Why to Recommend the Movie
Ambitious Directorial Debut: It's a bold and intriguing first feature from a talented young filmmaker who is also an established actor.
Intense Psychological Exploration: The film delves deep into the minds of soldiers under extreme isolation, offering a fascinating study of paranoia and delusion.
Striking Visuals: The black and white cinematography and the use of the stark Scottish landscape create a powerful and atmospheric viewing experience.
Thought-Provoking Themes: It tackles universal questions about the nature of war, leadership, and the fragility of the human mind.
Independent Cinema: It represents a raw, resourceful, and artistically driven approach to filmmaking.
Why to Watch the Movie
If you enjoy psychological thrillers or war films that focus on mental impact: This film prioritizes the internal struggle over external combat.
To see a unique visual style: The black and white aesthetic contributes significantly to the film's tone and mood.
If you are a fan of Jamie Flatters' work: This offers a chance to see his debut as a director and writer, showcasing a different facet of his artistic talent.
For a challenging and unconventional cinematic experience: The film embraces surrealism and may prompt deep reflection rather than offering easy answers.
To support independent and auteur filmmaking: It's a testament to creative vision realized on a micro-budget.
Movie Trend
The film aligns with the trend of Psychological Thrillers/Dramas rooted in Isolation and Existential Crisis, often employing a minimalist or experimental aesthetic. It also fits into the emerging wave of Actor-Turned-Director Debuts, where established actors bring their unique perspectives to behind-the-camera roles. The Black and White revival in arthouse cinema for dramatic effect is another noticeable trend it follows.
Social Trend
The film resonates with the social trend of Increased Awareness of Mental Health in High-Stress Professions (e.g., military) and the Impact of Isolation on Human Psyche. As society becomes more open about mental health challenges, narratives exploring paranoia, delusion, and the breakdown of sanity in extreme conditions hold significant relevance. The film's portrayal of collective delusion also touches upon contemporary anxieties about shared realities and misinformation.
Final Verdict
Shoulders (2025), the feature directorial debut of Jamie Flatters, is an ambitious and visually striking psychological war film. Inspired by Lord of the Flies, it plunges eight isolated soldiers into a chilling descent into paranoia and collective delusion within the stark beauty of the Scottish Highlands. While early reviews suggest some narrative complexities, Flatters' unique vision, commitment to challenging themes, and the film's evocative black and white aesthetic make it a notable and thought-provoking entry in independent cinema. It's a testament to Flatters' evolving artistic prowess and offers a raw, intense exploration of the human mind under extreme duress.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Experimental Aesthetics: Don't shy away from unconventional visual choices like black and white cinematography if they serve to enhance the film's themes and mood.
Prioritize Psychological Depth: Focus on the internal journeys and mental states of your characters, even in genre films, to create a more profound and lasting impact.
Utilize Environmental Storytelling: Allow your filming locations to become active participants in the narrative, reflecting and influencing the characters' emotional and psychological states.
Turn Limitations into Strengths: As Flatters did with a micro-budget and challenging conditions, find ways for production constraints to enhance the authenticity and themes of your film.
Dare to Be Unconventional: If you have a unique artistic vision that pushes boundaries, pursue it, even if it might be perceived as "weird" by traditional industry standards.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Actor-Turned-Director Debuts: Actively seek out and fund established actors who are transitioning into directing, as they often bring unique insights and a strong understanding of performance.
Invest in Psychological Genre Films: Encourage and finance films that delve into the psychological aspects of genres like war or thriller, rather than just focusing on external action.
Promote Auteur Visions: Champion filmmakers who have a distinct artistic voice and are willing to take risks with narrative and aesthetic choices, even if their work might challenge mainstream expectations.
Recognize the Value of Micro-Budget Cinema: Acknowledge that high-quality, impactful films can be made with limited resources when there is strong creative vision and dedication.
Facilitate Festival Exposure: Continue to provide strong platforms at film festivals for independent and artistically ambitious films to gain critical attention and audience reach.
Final Conclusions
Shoulders (2025), Jamie Flatters' directorial debut, is an ambitious and visually arresting psychological war film that explores the harrowing descent into paranoia and delusion among isolated soldiers in the Scottish Highlands. With its evocative black and white cinematography and Flatters' clear artistic vision, the film offers a challenging yet compelling examination of the human mind under duress. Despite some critical notes on narrative clarity, it stands as a significant independent work that showcases Flatters' talent beyond acting and contributes to the ongoing exploration of complex psychological themes in cinema.
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