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Calm with Horses (2020)

2020 • 1h 40m • Drama, Crime • R
On September 30, 2026
#28640▲ 6607
28640th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on Calm with Horses

7/10 · May 29, 2025

Ned Dennehy consistently leaves a mark even when he isn't the central figure, particularly when portraying someone unpleasant and threatening, and he fully embodies that here. The film centers on “Arm” (Cosmo Jarvis), an enforcer tasked with punishing a former associate of his "Devers" family for assaulting a woman. However, “Arm,” despite being a violent ex-boxer familiar with incarceration, resists becoming a killer. He’s also trying to reconcile with his estranged wife, largely because he misses spending time with his increasingly distant autistic son, “Jack” (Kiljan Moroney, who is remarkable). Constantly pressured by the ruthless and controlling "Dympna" (Barry Keoghan), the young man finds himself increasingly conflicted and faces repercussions as he understands that devotion means nothing unless it’s absolute within a family of unforgiving criminals. Jarvis delivers a strong performance, as does Keoghan, demonstrating his skill at playing someone both capricious and repulsive, a product of a family accustomed to getting whatever they want. The violence isn't overtly depicted; instead, it’s suggested, which proves effective in this compelling portrayal of life in rural Ireland against a backdrop resembling something out of Dickens. While the narrative itself doesn’t break entirely new ground, what distinguishes the film is its depiction of a man struggling with his strength and needing to discover a different kind of bravery if he hopes for any chance at a better future. It's not an enjoyable experience by any means, but the bleakness and rawness contribute to moments of genuine feeling.

Source on TMDB