Review of Tyrannosaur (2011) by Aidan H — 07 Dec 2011

Paddy Considine's first outing as director is a harrowing and bleak exploration of male rage that is both captivating and refreshingly free of movie morality. Mullan is superb as the troubled Joseph whose terrifying rages hover threateningly throughout the film but the real scene-stealer here is the astonishing Olivia Colman whose performance as the battered wife standing between two violent men should win her a statuette or two.

Considine pares down the action to a measured pace that leaves the screen open for the thespians to do their job, his camera unobtrusively recording each scene as it unfolds. The ensuing brutality and degradation is magnified by this subdued approach and is more effective for it.

While Tyrannosaur reminded me of the work of Ken Loach or Mullan's previous outing, My Name is Joe, Considine has truly made a name for himself with this film and should propel him into the forefront of new British directors.

NOTE: Make sure you leave the dog outside when viewing.