Witness dark deeds in Civil War era rural England. A Field In England is a psychedelic trip into magic and madness from Ben Wheatley, award-winning director of Down Terrace, Kill List and Sightseers.
To say much more would kill some nasty lo-fi surprises.
It bears several of Wheatley’s stylstic trademarks – dry, sardonically witty dialogue; stomach-churning violence; and a painterly eye for the English countryside – but achieves something quite different from his first three features.
Very physical, with intense performances and half-serious period talk, it’s an impressive, haunting picture — though the sort of thing you have to meet at least halfway to enjoy.
The English revolution may be the one that isn't taught in schools, but it has provided the inspiration for a punk nightmare.
The oblique story as reality unravels – at times becoming a barrage of fast edits, stroboscopic images and tonal noises – and brief moments of shocking violence mean it doesn't offer easy answers, but for many its unique take on British folklore will prove Wheatley is one of the most fascinating directors currently at work in the UK.
It is at once amusing, intriguing and mystifying and I think you will be glad that the running time is brief.
What follows is an exercise in wilful weirdness as magic mushrooms are inadvertently consumed and people start losing their minds. Explanations aren’t forthcoming, but originality is.
Almost unbearable.
Director Ben Wheatley on A Field In England
A Field in England--giving away the whole plot
General release. Check local listings for show times.