‘Arcadia: A Film By Paul Wright’ (12A) reviewed

❉ An intriguing blend of folk horror and documentary, featuring an original score by Adrian Utley of Portishead and Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory.

Arcadia is a fascinating look at man’s relationship with Mother Earth shown using archive footage from around the UK set to a modern score. An intriguing blend of folk horror and documentary combine to create an unusual, almost ethereal, story.

Predominantly in black and white, we travel through the last 100 years, focusing on certain areas of the English countryside, in an unflinching journey that highlights our tender, yet often destructive, use of nature whilst showcasing our evolution, for better or worse.

Featuring an original score by Adrian Utley of Portishead and Will Gregory from Goldfrapp, their music beautifully captures a plethora of emotions. Freedom, hope, despair and angst in particular.

BAFTA winning Director Paul Wright has brought to the present a superbly crafted film about the future, making full use of our chequered past.

Quirky, visceral and compelling, Arcadia is a thought provoking film that challenges attitudes and ideals.


❉ Scouring 100 years of footage from the BFI National Archive, ‘Arcadia’ is in cinemas UK-wide from 21 June 2018. Directed by Paul Wright. Music by Adrian Utley, Will Gregory. Distributed by BFI. Running time: 78mins.

 Ben Peyton is an actor, voiceover artist, husband and dad. Credits include Band Of Brothers, Holby City, Emmerdale and he was a regular in The Bill. You can find Ben on Twitter – @BenPeyton007 or at his website – www.benpeytonreviews.com.

Become a patron at Patreon!