The directorial debut of Yann Demange, ’71 is an accomplished thriller taking on the ethno-nationalist conflict known as the Troubles. The film broaches the loose divide between British Protestants and Irish Catholics and reflects on the messy politics of a turbulent era.
Widely tipped as one to watch, Jack O’Connell stars as Gary Hook, a Derbyshire lad who joins the British Parachute Regiment and is deployed to Belfast. Led by a well-meaning though naive lieutenant (Sam Reid), the soldiers are under the impression they will be a benign presence. However, a routine house raid swiftly turns into a small riot, resulting in Hook’s separation from the regiment. As he is ruthlessly pursued, a conflict unfolds between the IRA old guard and the radical younger generation.
Fighting to survive the night behind enemy lines, Hook is generally mute throughout most of the film. It is the colourful characters around him that flesh out contextual detail. Boyle (David Wilmot) and Captain Sandy Browning (Sean Harris) are two of the most prominent – leaders with ambiguous allegiances.
Stumbling through dark streets and terrace housing, Hook encounters a battle-hardened boy with a biting sense of authority and a kind-hearted former war doctor who becomes his greatest asset. Attacks are often sharp and unexpected – it becomes apparent that there are no safe spaces.
The hand-held camera work mirrors Hook’s precarious position. Although the intention is clear, this technique can be quite heavy-handed. For instance, the pivotal scene where Hook is left behind is almost eye-wateringly chaotic.
In spite of minor setbacks, this film is a solid achievement. Demange isn’t overambitious and doesn’t talk down to his audience. Flanked by strong performances, O’Connell plays the perfect middleman – intuitively compassionate though determined to get back to the barracks. Set a year before Bloody Sunday, ’71 inevitably ends on a cynical note. Generally speaking, it is a cut above other war thrillers. The film is a test of human decency within the complex web of political conflict.
4/5 stars
’71 opens in cinemas Thursday March 19.
