Review of A Field in England (2013) by Jonathan B — 07 Jul 2013

This is a mad-as-a-box-of-frogs, darkly comic movie that is unlike anything I've seen in ages. The basic tale is of group of deserters fleeing a battle during the English Civil War. As they journey through a field, they cross a fairy ring and eat a meal containing some of the mushrooms which unleashes a madness of visions and torments upon them.

Forced to hunt for a buried treasure by a cruel alchemist, the group become increasingly violent and deranged. This is a complex and challenging movie that leaves a lot of questions unanswered and has scenes and characters that are strange, humorous and violent.

Despite the wide open setting, it a claustrophobic and breathless story with a small, intimate feeling. You really do feel like you are witnessing the breakdown of the social order and anything could happen.

Beautifully filmed in black and white by Ben Wheatley, this film is unapologetically unconventional and really is recommended.