CALM WITH HORSES

“Calm with Horses” is a 2019 Irish crime drama film directed by Nick Rowland in his feature film debut. The film stars Cosmo Jarvis, Barry Keoghan, Niamh Algar, and Ned Dennehy. It is based on the novella of the same name from the collection “Young Skins” by Colin Barrett.

The film is set in rural Ireland and revolves around the lives of ex-boxer Douglas “Arm” Armstrong (Cosmo Jarvis) and his complex relationship with the Devers crime family, as well as his struggle to be a good father to his autistic son, Jack (Kiljan Moroney).

Douglas “Arm” Armstrong: Arm is a former boxer who has become an enforcer for the Devers family, a ruthless criminal clan led by Paudi Devers (Ned Dennehy). Arm’s imposing physical presence makes him a valuable asset to the family, but his kind-hearted nature and deep love for his son conflict with the violent world he is a part of.

Jack and Ursula: Arm’s five-year-old son, Jack, has autism, and Arm is devoted to him. Jack’s mother, Ursula (Niamh Algar), is Arm’s ex-girlfriend. She is determined to provide a better life for Jack and is increasingly frustrated with Arm’s involvement with the Devers family. Ursula wants Arm to be a responsible father and urges him to leave his life of crime behind.

Dympna Devers: Dympna (Barry Keoghan), the nephew of Paudi Devers, is Arm’s closest friend within the family. Dympna is manipulative and ambitious, often pushing Arm into dangerous and morally compromising situations. Despite their friendship, Dympna’s influence over Arm leads him further into the criminal underworld.

Conflict arises when Arm is ordered by Paudi Devers to deal with a family associate who has wronged them. This task tests Arm’s loyalty and forces him to confront the brutality of the life he is leading. As Arm carries out the violent act, the moral and emotional weight of his actions begins to take a toll on him.

Arm’s relationship with Ursula deteriorates as she becomes increasingly desperate to protect Jack from the dangers of Arm’s lifestyle. Ursula gives Arm an ultimatum: leave the Devers family and start a new life with them, or lose them forever. Torn between his loyalty to the Devers and his love for his son, Arm finds himself at a crossroads.

The climax of the film sees Arm making a fateful decision. In a moment of clarity and desperation, he decides to defy the Devers family and attempts to escape with Ursula and Jack. The decision leads to a violent confrontation with the Devers, culminating in a tense and emotional showdown. In the aftermath of the confrontation, Arm faces the consequences of his choices. The film’s resolution is poignant and bittersweet, reflecting the harsh realities of the world Arm inhabits. The final scenes emphasize the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between father and son.

“Calm with Horses” explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil within a person. The film delves into the complexities of fatherhood and the sacrifices one makes for family. It also portrays the impact of crime and violence on individuals and their relationships.