FILM: Blood Cells

Blood Cells is a British indie film, that fits into the miserabalism genre. It follows the journey of Adam (Barry Ward of Jimmy’s Hall fame) as he journeys back home to be present for the birth of his nephew.

Adam’s journey is challenging as he faces the ghosts of his past. It’s been 10 years since the foot and mouth tragedy robbed his family of their farm, their home and their way of life. As Adam travels through the UK, making a few pit stops to visit old girlfriends and family, he must face the past he has been trying to escape through drugs and alcohol.

This is a beautifully shot film that adds an atmospheric filter to the shots of the farmland and countryside. It begins with an eerie tone as we see the devastating and tragic effects of the disease and the painful reality that goes along with it.

The soundtrack (composed by one of the film’s directors Luke Seomore) is the perfect accompaniment to this affecting and melancholic drama. It knows when to back off and let the silence do the talking and when to use frenetic strings and somber tones to reflect the mood.

Barry Ward, in a stand out role, plays Adam with poignancy and great emotion. We can read the pain and vulnerability in his face and the slow, dreamlike pace with which he embarks on his journey back through his past in order to make sense of his life and find a future that he wants to live in.

Blood Cells is directors’ Luke Seomore and Joseph Bull’s first full length feature film; the emotion and style they bring to the table means they are definitely ones to watch.

Niki Alexandrou

@nikialexandrou

Niki Alexandrou

Niki Alexandrou

Niki Alexandrou

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