BRING THEM DOWN is a gripping Irish thriller from director Chris Andrews that has been making waves on the festival circuit. Following successful screenings at TIFF, Fantastic Fest, Beyond Fest, and London Film Festival, the movie promises a complex exploration of family, conflict, and generational trauma.

The film delves into the life of an Irish shepherding family caught in multiple battles: internal family tensions, external rivalries with neighboring farmers, and deeper psychological struggles. The narrative transcends simple good versus evil dynamics, instead offering a nuanced examination of human motivations through a distinctly Irish cultural lens.

TIFF praised the film for its sophisticated storytelling, noting how it “bristles with twists and tension,” transforming pastoral landscapes into sites of escalating conflict. The festival highlighted the exceptional performances of Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott, who “share an incredible ability to reveal what their characters are hell-bent on hiding.”

The ensemble cast includes Barry Keoghan, Christopher Abbott, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, Paul Ready, Aaron Heffernan, and Susan Lynch.

Barry Keoghan has been on an impressive cinematic journey in recent years, solidifying his reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling actors. Following his breakout role in THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (2017), Keoghan has consistently chosen challenging and unconventional projects.

His recent career highlights include an Oscar-nominated performance in THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022), a memorable supporting role as the Joker in THE BATMAN (2022), and a provocative turn in the psychological thriller SALTBURN (2023). These roles have demonstrated his remarkable range and commitment to complex, character-driven narratives.

BRING THEM DOWN appears to continue Keoghan’s trend of selecting thought-provoking films that challenge audience expectations. With its compelling premise, strong critical buzz, and Keoghan’s involvement, the film is definitely one to watch for in upcoming festival and theatrical releases.

SALTBURN star Barry Keoghan’s new thriller BRING THEM DOWN has won Best Picture in the main competition at the Texas film festival Fantastic Fest. The dark Irish drama, which also stars Christopher Abbott, Colm Meany, Nora-Jane Noone and more, is described in the official program as “beautifully crafted and assured character piece.” The film is co-produced by the Dublin-based company Tailored Films. Speaking of the win, co-founder Ruth Treacy told RTÉ Entertainment: “We are over the moon with this win. It’s amazing to see Irish cinema, particularly a film with a lot of Irish language in it, celebrated on such a big stage.”

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