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★★★★★
Written & Directed by: #SamOMahony
Starring: #LisaDwyerHogg, #EleanorMethven, #DawnSievewright
I Don’t Find Any Of This Very Peaceful is a low-key psychological thriller about the darkness we must embrace before we can truly accept who we are. With echoes of Haneke and Hitchcock, the film’s heightened cinematic style attempts to draw the audience into Katharine’s small world and experience her journey out of the darkness.
I’m genuinely blown away by the massive amount of creativity oozing out of filmmakers throughout the UK’s lockdown. I sound like a broken record at this point, but that amazing streak continues with Sam O’Mahony’s brilliant I Don’t Find Any Of This Very Peaceful. An intimate look at the life of its main character, Katherine, as she struggles with her demons. The apartment’s plain aesthetic assists the dark story, creating a moody ambience from the opening shots. Katherine (Lisa Dwyer Hogg) searches for purpose when her abusive partner disappears, until a little visitor shows up at her doorstep unannounced.
Lisa Dwyer Hogg’s held-back performance is subtle and nuanced. You feel yourself peeling back layers trying to find out what’s happening inside her mind. She’s supported by one of the most well behaved co-stars ever; her real-life pet dog. Over the short runtime the two form a wonderful bond, heading out on walks and taking time for cuddles. But of course, with this being a psychological thriller, there’s something else a little deeper…
With it being such a small production, like most that I’ve been able to watch during the pandemic, it’s mind-blowing to feel so invested. The way filmmakers are finding new ways, or using old tricks, to tell a story visually is so refreshing. In some sense, as terrible as it is, I’m grateful for the moments this pandemic has given me to appreciate the little people. And by that I mean the undoubtedly underrated talents that aren’t included in the overstuffed machine that is Hollywood. I Don’t Find Any Of This Very Peaceful is a smart film. The shots of the buzzing flies around Katherine’s apartment became something vital. O’Mahony mentions the echoes of Hitchcock and I can absolutely hear those echoes, clear as day. But it’s not all visual; Daniel Whibley’s music supplies a mysterious tone for the story — very basic but immensely affective. Paired with Tim Bamber’s pristine sound design and mix, everything audio is also incredibly well cared for.
There’s nothing else I could say without potentially spoiling the experience I Don’t Find Any Of This Very Peaceful creates, so I’ll stop at this; It’s incredibly exciting to me, knowing that there are creative people like O’Mahony and Hogg, real-life partners, who will not let a pandemic keep them from experimenting. This is a visually and audibly rich film with fine strokes of classic cinema icons.
Watch the trailer for I Don't Find Any Of This Very Peaceful below.
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