Directed by: Hope Dickson Leach
Staring: Ellie Kendrick, David Troughton and Jack Holden
There have been a number of British films recently set on farms. We have selected this film for its quality and connection to the local Somerset countryside. The first feature film by renowned director of short films Dickson Leach, the Levelling is set in the aftermath of the disastrous floods of 2014. It explores the relationship of trainee vet Clover Cato ( Bridge of Thrones star Ellie Kendrick) and her father Aubrey (David Troughton). Cato has returned to the farm after the violent death of her brother, Harry. Her father has been forced to abandon the farmhouse and live in a caravan after the floods but is determined to keep farming. He enlists Cato’s help despite her inexperience and the clearly strained relations between them. In the background are constant reminders of Harry and his death both physical and through the presence of his best friend James (Jack Holden). Excellent script, direction, cinematography (Nanu Segal) and music (Hutch Demouilpied) capture the simplicity and beauty, but also the sometimes bleak and harsh realities, of rural life.