Life in a remote rural community is disrupted by three intruders and then by a new landlord threatening upheaval in director’s Athina Rachel Tsangari’s drama Harvest.
This is our land
by Chris DrewHarvest
CAUTION: Here be spoilers
Set in no specific time or place, Harvest focusses on the strong sense of community the land dwellers share, rather than plot. Often with little dialogue much of the folk watching on intently.
Protagonist Walter Thirsk (Caleb Landry Jones, Get Out) is ethereal, and slightly feral, sporadically sharing his inner monologue.
There are no law keepers, but the settling is managed by the landowner Master Kent (Harry Melling, The Tragedy of Macbeth).
The community are suspicious of Mr Earle (Arinzé Kene, The Pass) who Kent employs to create maps of the settlement, but Walter assists and gradually develops a connection with him.
We learn that Walter and Kent grew up together and Walter worked for him before getting married. The men have shared grief with their wives buried together.
Harvest ceremonies involve costumes, singing and country dancing. Hints of Ari Astor’s Midsommar appear with children’s heads being struck against boundary stones ‘so they know where they belong’.
Two different catalysts of conflict drive action in the settlement. First, three strangers are suspected of starting the fire that opens the film. The men are locked up outside for a week while the woman forcibly has her hair cut.
Later, the arrival of new landlord Master Jordan (Frank Dillane, In the Heart of the Sea) causes great change. Jordan’s English accent sounds notably different and with his capitalist concerns he outlines plans for labour cuts.
The killing of Kent’s horse Willowjack provokes a mission to discover the culprit. Women are abducted to Jordan’s manor house and events get brutal with the future of the community limited.
The stunning setting, bathed throughout in natural light or firelight, is spectacular and a real star of the film while the costuming and production design are top-notch in creating such authenticity.
As Walter, Landry Jones’s (also credited with original music) memorable performance anchors the film. Passionate but wistful and bound by both grief and a sense of duty he is another superb character for Landry Jones’ unique screen presence.
Adapted from Jim Crace’s novel, Tsangari’s film feels fresh and original throughout.
Harvest screened at the BFI London Film Festival on 12, 13 and 20 October 2024, is available on Mubi and will be released in selected UK cinemas at a future date.
