Jackdaw

Jackdaw is an electrifying crime thriller that bursts onto the screen with the intensity of a lightning bolt and maintains a relentless grip on its audience from start to finish. Directed by Jamie Childs for the first time, the film is a powerful testament to the art of laconic acting and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's emergence as a rising star in the film industry.

The film's setting, the rugged and rarely-seen north-east of England, is immediately distinguishable from the urban settings typical of most crime thrillers. Jamie Childs has skilfully anchored his story in this nocturnal landscape of rural industry, creating an atmosphere both intimate and haunting. This unique setting brings the stakes closer together and makes the characters' journeys more personal, allowing the world around them to speak for itself.

At the heart of Jackdaw is a simple but effective formula. Jack Dawson, played with magnetic intensity by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, is a former motocross champion and army veteran who returns home to care for his younger brother, Simon (Leon Harrop), following the unexpected death of their mother. Struggling to make ends meet, Jack is offered a lifeline by a former classmate turned criminal, Silas (Joe Blakemore). Silas offers Jack a seemingly simple job: retrieve a package from the treacherous North Sea. However, the job turns into a dangerous shell game, and when Jack returns home, he discovers that Simon has been kidnapped.

The story takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride as Jack embarks on a mission to rescue his brother. Along the way, he meets a cast of captivating characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Jenna Coleman shines as Bo, Jack's ex-girlfriend and leader of an all-female biker gang, infusing her character with a perfect blend of charm and complexity. Rory McCann and Joe Blakemore are menacing as the gangsters, and Thomas Turgoose adds humor and heart as Craig, Jack's lovable sidekick.

What sets Jackdaw apart is its ability to balance the elements of a crime thriller with a deeply rooted family drama. Although the plot follows some familiar genre conventions, it infuses them with fresh perspectives and character depth. Jackson-Cohen's interpretation of Jack is a masterpiece of laconic acting, as he combines intensity and sensitivity, making Jack a character in whom the audience can truly invest itself.

The film's visuals, directed by Will Baldy, are nothing short of spectacular. Shot in Hartlepool, County Durham, and Tee Valley, the cinematographer seamlessly blends natural landscapes and industrial structures, creating a visual juxtaposition that reflects the community's isolation. The striking color palette, characterized by vivid oranges and blues, bathes the film in an otherworldly light, reinforcing the sense of place.

The soundtrack and score add layers of ambiance and atmosphere, reinforcing the emotional depth of the film. The combination of sound and images creates a lush, eerie atmosphere that is both captivating and timeless.

For his directorial debut, Jamie Childs demonstrates a remarkable mastery of film pacing and action sequences. He gives the audience time to catch their breath and become attached to the characters, while maintaining a tense, immersive atmosphere. Jackdaw is a testament to Jamie Childs' ability to balance style and substance in a crime thriller.

While Jackdaw traverses familiar territory in terms of plot, it excels in execution and character development. The film deftly conveys the story through action and dialogue, ensuring that every twist and turn serves the story's progression.

Jackdaw is not only an excellent crime thriller, it also heralds Oliver Jackson-Cohen's ascent to movie star status in his own right. His performance, combined with the directorial prowess of Jamie Childs, makes this film a must-see of the genre. With its unique setting, excellent performances and masterful balance of style and substance, Jackdaw leaves audiences eager to discover the next adventures of this talented team. It's a thrilling, stylish crime thriller that redefines genre conventions and demands to be seen on the big screen.

Jacksaw
Written and Directed by Jamie Childs
Produced by Sébastien Raybaud Calum Grant, Kate Glover, Jamie Childs
Starring Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Jenna Coleman, Thomas Turgoose, Allan Mustafa, Rory McCann, Vivienne Acheampong, Joe Blakemore, Leon Harrop
Music by Damon Baxter, Si Begg
Cinematography : Will Baldy
Edited by David Fisher    
Production companies : Anton
Release date : NC
Running time : 97 minutes

Viewed September 25, 2023 (Fantastic Fest press screener)

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