A slow-burning British horror that's about as unconventional as they come, 'The Droving' is a treat for anyone who can accept its pace and minimalist approach.

The story is about Martin, a military man who returns home to search for his lost sister who went missing around the time of a mysterious festival known as The Droving.

It's hard to say much without spoiling it, but this is the type of folk horror that relies heavily on its atmosphere, with the setting and dialogue contributing immensely. The film gradually builds up its unease through Martin's solo investigation; the tension snowballs into an uncomfortable knot in the stomach as he makes discoveries, before uncoiling into something despicable and ambiguous.

Overall, 'The Droving' is refreshingly different yet atmospherically potent, suppressing the urge to go full-on horror without sacrificing all the feelings fans of the genre are well acquainted with.

7.5/10

I have seen one of this director's previous films Hex, which I enjoyed a lot. So I was excited to take a look at this. I wasn't disappointed. It is an interesting, suspenseful tale with an odd festival called The Droving at it's center. The movie vaguely called to mind Midsommar (one of my favorite films of last year) with a conspiracy kind of vibe underlying the suspense. The Droving is a dark, atmospheric, intense, always entertaining film. Just really excellent!

After watching their previous film, Hex, I was really looking forward to George Popov and Jonathan Russell's follow-up...and it surpasses expectations! The missing person-mystery thriller premise feels familiar but has a cleverly original twist. Daniel Oldroyd's acting has matured since Hex, and he commands the screen with a captivating presence. The film is a slow-burn, and each scene is given thoughtfulness and respect, the actors given the framework to deliver genuine, dynamic performances. So many scenes cleverly build-up with compelling, tense scenarios. The camerawork and scenery are stunning. And the sound design and music compliment the imagery exceptionally, an art in themselves. True cinephiles will love this film!