Horror fans have a chilling treat this evening as the 2022 folk horror film Men airs on Film4 at 11:10 pm. Set in a fictional English village, the film was actually shot in the picturesque village of Withington, Gloucestershire, and the nearby Forest of Dean tunnel, bringing a haunting authenticity to the story.
Men is a surrealist horror that plunges viewers into a disturbing narrative centered on Harper, a woman grieving the recent loss of her husband. Seeking solitude at a remote country estate, her respite turns nightmarish as she becomes the target of strange village men—all portrayed by the talented British actor Rory Kinnear. The film’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by Garland’s meticulous direction and a sound design that amplifies the unsettling mood.
The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and patriarchal oppression through a captivating and disturbing lens. The climax introduces the mysterious Green Man, a character symbolizing the endless cycle of male torment Harper faces. This surreal portrayal has sparked varied reactions: some praise its originality, suspense, and emotional depth, while others find its critique of toxic masculinity heavy-handed but nonetheless thought-provoking.
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Jessie Buckley delivers a powerful performance as Harper, perfectly capturing a sense of unease, while Rory Kinnear’s multipronged roles add to the film’s haunting complexity. Critics have hailed Men as a visually striking and intellectually engaging horror, with its blend of folklore and psychological terror making it a stand-out piece in contemporary cinema.
For those seeking a horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll, Men offers an unnerving but compelling journey into darkness. Don’t miss it on Film4 tonight or catch it via rental services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.