"The Levelling" opens in Chicago at Facets Cinémathèque on Friday, March 24

March 21st, 2017 Posted by Review 0 thoughts on “"The Levelling" opens in Chicago at Facets Cinémathèque on Friday, March 24”

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“The Levelling,” written and directed by Hope Dickson Leach and starring Ellie Kendrick and David Troughton, is a visually compelling film that pits a young veterinarian’s hopes and dreams against family responsibility.  Clover (Kendrick) returns home for her brother’s funeral only to confront her father, Aubrey (Troughton), about the circumstances of the death and the current state of affairs of the farm.

The village of Somerset has been ravaged by floods, creating a sombre backdrop for this story.  Charlie (Joe Blakemore), Clover’s brother, has shot himself, but the question is, was it a suicide or an acci32844986716_e996ff6bdc_m (1)dent?  While communication between Aubrey and Clover has been lacking in the past, the demons that surface along with the truth creates such tension, allowing us to understand each of them clearly.

Finding the truth about the events at hand is not the only thing that is exposed in this rich and complex film.  Finding the truth within oneself is at the core of the story.  Clover’s love of her brother and her ties to this failing farm are evident from the moment she walks slowly through the muddy streets leading to her dilapidated home.  So much has happened during Clover’s absence.  The tension slowly escalates until both she and her father must finally communicate.  It’s a raw yet beautiful portrayal of the complexities of a father and daughter relationship.

Kendrick shines in this role as an intelligent young woman who is struggling from guilt and remorse from within.   She immediately allows you to connect with her, understanding her every emotion and her decisions. In many ways, she is still the defiant teen, not taken seriously.  Going home is always tough and being respected, especially as a woman, is even more difficult and Kendrick allows all of these issues to come to the surface with a simple glance or expression.  Troughton finds a way to exhibit such strength while he is also distraught about where his life has lead him and where it may go.  Together, these two bring such power to their characters that the story propels forward almost effortlessly.

Leach as the director is able to tease out the subtleties necessary with these lead characters.  Cinematically, the film is gorgeous; conveying exactly the tension and emotion needed in each scene.  While the pace is slow, the emotional stakes create the needed investment that makes this film so compelling and relatable.  The story is masterfully layered as little by little, we peel away pieces of information to put the puzzle of life together.

“The Levelling” is a remarkable film depicting a mysterious tragedy, but more importantly, the struggling relationship between a father and daughter.  With complex characters, skilled performances, and deft direction, it’s a film that will captivate you as you reflect upon your own relationships.

You can see this film at the Chicago at Facets Cinémathèque March 24-30.  Get TICKETS

For more information, go to montereymedia.com/thelevelling/

 

 

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