Review of A Field in England (2013) by Daniel M — 26 Aug 2013

Ben Wheatley casts off the shackles of British Miserablism pastiche at last with this ambitious period film.

More a mood piece than anything else, this well constructed ultramix of sitcom, horror, period drama and outback film attempts to analyse the psychological aspects of British culture, both then and now with varying degress of success. But where it triumphs most of all, as with all of Wheatley's films to date is in it's dynamic tonal shifts, firstly from cynical war drama to bergman parable to something resembling Performance (1970) spliced with Witchfinder General (1968). It is because of this firm direction that even though I did not get it, I still enjoyed it, very much so. Very funny, very unnerving (particularly the possesion scene) and very beautiful in a distinctively British way. This can only mean better things from Wheatley who is quickly becoming the most interesting director working in Britian today. I sincerely can't wait for what he comes up with next.