Calm with Horses
| Calm with Horses | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Nick Rowland |
| Written by | Joseph Murtagh |
| Produced by | Daniel Emmerson |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Piers McGrail |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Benjamin John Power |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Altitude Film Distribution |
Release dates |
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Running time | 101 minutes |
| Countries | Ireland |
| Language | English |
Calm with Horses is a 2019 Irish crime drama film directed by Nick Rowland and written by Joseph Murtagh. It concerns an ex-boxer who works as an enforcer for a criminal family in rural Ireland while providing for his autistic son. The film stars Cosmo Jarvis, Barry Keoghan, Niamh Algar, Ned Dennehy, Kiljan Moroney and David Wilmot. It is adapted from the short story of the same name from the collection "Young Skins" by Colin Barrett. The film was released in the United States under the title The Shadow of Violence.[1]
It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2019. It was released in Ireland on 13 March 2020, by Altitude Film Distribution.
Plot
Douglas 'Arm' Armstrong has become the feared enforcer for the drug-dealing Devers family, whilst also trying to be a good father. Torn between these two families, Arm's loyalties are tested when he is asked to kill for the first time.
Cast
- Cosmo Jarvis as Arm
- Barry Keoghan as Dymphna
- Niamh Algar as Ursula
- Ned Dennehy as Paudi
- Kiljan Moroney as Jack
- David Wilmot as Hector
- Anthony Welsh as Rob
- Simone Kirby as Jules
Production
In April 2018, it was announced Cosmo Jarvis, Barry Keoghan and Niamh Algar had joined the cast of the film, with Nick Rowland directing from a screenplay by Joseph Murtagh. Michael Fassbender served as an executive producer via his DMC Film banner.[2]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2019.[3] It was released in Ireland on 13 March 2020, by Altitude Film Distribution.[4] Saban Films acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.[5]
Critical reception
Calm with Horses received positive reviews from critics. As of July 2020[update], 94% of the 50 reviews compiled on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes are positive, with a weighted average of 7.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Calm with Horses presents a grimly effective portrait of one man's struggle with divided loyalties, elevated by standout performances from a stellar cast."[6]
References
- ^ Dargis, Manohla (30 July 2020). "'The Shadow of Violence' Review: Behold, the Bad Man (Again)". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ^ Grater, Tom (26 April 2018). "Cosmo Jarvis, Barry Keoghan to star in 'Calm With Horses' for Fassbender's DMC, Altitude, Film4 (exclusive)". Screen International. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Lang, Brent (8 August 2019). "Toronto Film Festival Unveils Documentary, Midnight, Discovery Lineups". Variety. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Heath, Paul (14 February 2020). "New Clip And Poster For The Upcoming 'Calm With Horses'". The Hollywood News. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (12 February 2020). "Nick Rowland's Irish Crime Drama 'Calm With Horses' Acquired By Saban Films". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ "Calm with Horses". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 30, 2020.