Now this is a shocker. Never has a gas mask inflicted such fear and panic as the one worn by Richard (Considine) in this unapologetic and vengeful tale about a brother who massacres the men responsible for the demise of his spastic younger brother. While away in the army, Richard’s brother Anthony was taunted, haunted, assaulted, abused and left to die by a group of local hooligans.
Son of the devil
Now all that might sound horrible, but this film is also very pretty and at moments fucking hilarious. Director Meadows first captures the beauty of the country side; its simplicity, naivete and then corrupts it with the brutal killings. Trust me when I say this, but while you’re watching, you will feel sorry for the bad guys who are really just a bunch of stupid menboys with nothing else better than to attack the village retard.
Richaaarrrd, are we there yet?
The surprise, panic and hopelessness of the men make you fear Richard just as much as they do. He becomes the devil collecting the lives of the men who have sinned against him by killing his helpless brother. And then just like that, Meadows puts you back in the shoes of Richard. Stunning.
