hinterland_final-lores

Directed by: Harry Macqueen

Written by: Harry Macqueen

Starring: Harry Macqueen, Lori Campbell

Release date: February 27th

The feature debut of British director and producer Harry Macqueen follows two childhood friends who escape from the city for a nostalgic journey through the countryside.

HINTERLAND, without a doubt, is a classic arthouse picture telling a typical road trip story.

The film is written, produced and directed by Harry Macqueen who is also on acting duties in the movie too. 

The film begins with long takes of items around a house with calm, relaxing music over the top. Immediately, through the long takes, it becomes clear that this picture fits within the arthouse genre. Long shots are a common element of movies shot in this style and HINTERLAND upholds to the characteristics of an arthouse picture, all beautifully coincided amongst long takes of nature and the surrounding areas and the occasional still shots that add to the feel.

As the film begins (in London) it is not clear at first what the nature of the relationship between the two characters is keeping the audience guessing as to whether they are related or childhood friends.

In time, it becomes clear that they are childhood friends who haven’t seen each other for a few years. Lola, played by Lori Campbell, is a carefree, Erasmus student who is a talented actress and singer with a penchant for playing the guitar. 

Harvey, played by Harry Macqueen, is more of the quiet type, not really saying much, but through the use of simplistic shots and music, his romantic feelings and intentions towards Lola become apparent, but he knows that they are not reciprocated.

They are both very similar characters; he is an aspiring writer and she writes music, but within their absence of each other, they have both failed to do any writing and are trying to find their way through life.

There seemed to be a lack of a narrative throughout the film, which is typical of an arthouse film and the audience only gets an understanding of their intricate relationship through long takes and the minimal dialogue. It is not the linear narrative found in any Hollywood film and there is little explanation as to why these two characters have embarked on a roadtrip to Cornwall and then suddenly back to London.

HINTERLAND has an unexplained ending and the ambiguous finish will leave the audience wondering do they meet again? Do they stay together?

The music, which was created by Graham Hadfield, plays a vital role. The indie music helps to reinforce the arthouse feel and the film offers a superb soundtrack, which effortessly accompanies the beautifully shot film which offers a superb blend of short and long take shots. 

HINTERLAND is simplistic, creative and will appeal to those who like to be swept away and not forced along by a vigorous script.  

Hinterland is officially released on February 27th and will be on a full cinema run in all Curzon Cinemas across the country.

Watch the trailer here:

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