The Reel Review
Three brothers carry out their pact to shoot and kill their hateful, abusive father during a hunting trip near their home in the Scottish Highlands. But when they return the following day to retrieve keys from his body, they discover he has disappeared from the shallow grave in which they buried him, sparking paranoia and mistrust amongst the brothers, in this psychological horror/thriller.
In his feature film debut, co-writer/director Rodger Griffiths (Take the Shot) explores themes of generational trauma (flashbacks reveal the actual abuse as well as claims by the abusive father that his own father abused him), deception and betrayal and how their father’s awful behavior seeps into his sons’ psyches. Even so, the story at times feels redundant and overly melodramatic.
The acting, however, features strong performances from Daniel Portman (Game of Thrones), Brian Vernel (Gangs of London, Dunkirk, Star Wars: Episode VII:The Force Awakens) and Calum Ross (Wednesday) as the three brothers and a revoltingly good Paul Higgins (Slow Horses) as the evil, shockingly manipulative father. The setting also contributes to an overall mood of dread and isolation. The big twist in the third act is a stomach churner.
REEL FACTS
• Daniel Portman portrayed Podrick Payne in Game of Thrones.
• Originally the film was titled Kill.
• Betrayal was filmed in the Scottish Highlands.
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