Bull is a revenge thriller that in the climax turns out to actually be a horror – but that’s only a spoiler if you know the difference between these two genres.
Written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams, the film tells the story of a father seeking revenge by killing everyone who hurt and betrayed him. The movie hides a mystery of what exactly happened to Bull – the main and title character. The timeline is so confusing you might as well just sit back and enjoy it the same way you enjoyed your high school maths classes – they were highly interesting, but only that 1 per cent of the time when you knew what the hell was going on.
Credit: Signature Entertainment/Ingenious Media
Although puzzling and disorienting, Bull does present a certain intrigue in all that confusion. You might not know what’s going on, but you genuinely want to find out. You might even slightly hate Bull for making you so invested in a second-rate film, but you will watch it until the credits.
This is one of those films you have to see twice to fully absorb and appreciate, but really don’t want to watch for a second time. While it is not exactly a bad movie, it’s quite exhausting and might give you a headache.
One thing I have to admit deeply impressed me is Neil Maskell’s ability to act with eyes alone. His face is either frowning or scowling throughout the entire film, but in his eyes you can really see his character’s pain, fury and pure agony. It’s not only the story that makes Bull a horror movie, but also Maskell’s skill to terrify the viewer. Seeing that talent, is a thrilling experience.
Credit: Signature Entertainment/Ingenious Media
The cinematography will absolutely compel you – if you’re either a sadist or an arsonist. The first thing that comes to my mind to describe this film is a short and dazzling adjective you know from Netflix reviews – gory. It’s not trying to be funny by showing people gruesomely murdered like The Suicide Squad or Deadpool. It’s more authentic, portraying the story of a revenge driven man who brutally kills for what he himself has deemed justice. It’s hard to watch, but maybe because it could happen in real life?
You know that Mark Twain quote “If you have nothing to say, say nothing”? I might have to cut this review short. While I wouldn’t define Bull as a bad film, I simply cannot keep talking about it. It wasn’t memorable enough to think about, and it isn’t a motion picture worth talking about. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bull premieres on November 5 in cinemas.
Featured Image Credit: Signature Entertainment/Ingenious Media
she/they
Film, media & journalism student
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