My Feral Heart

My Feral Heart, released in 2016, is an engaging and heart-warming British independent film that warms the hearts of its viewers with its brilliant storytelling, and strong performances by the ensemble cast, led by Steven Brandon in a breakout performance. It is directed by Jane Gull and is written by Duncan Paveling.

The movie is a deeply moving and captivating tale about human resilience, in-depth personal relationships, and the ability to find joy and beauty in the unusual and unexpected. It sows a beautiful seed of empathy and understanding about disability and showcases the unseen potential hidden away by humanity's stereotypes.

The story follows Luke, a young man with Down syndrome, portrayed by Steven Brandon in a performance that is deeply raw and authentic. Luke's life takes a drastic turn when his mother unexpectedly passes away, and he is relocated to a care home. Despite upheaval, the physical walls of his new home do not mar his spirit, and he proves to be unsettlingly independent, much to the chagrin of the care home's staff.

Luke's quest for freedom becomes a fascinating focal point of the movie. He embarks on daily escapades to the delight of audiences. He cherishes his freedom and the natural world, regularly fleeing the home to explore the nearby countryside. These daily secret excursions lead him to encounter a runaway named Pete, performed by the talented Will Rastall, and an injured young girl, which adds an unexpected twist to the story.

Pete, an agricultural worker who harbors a secret that Luke stumbles upon, turns from an intriguing stranger to an unexpected ally. Their growing bond showcases some exquisite screen chemistry, as they navigate through the trials and tribulations of their personal lives. The friendship they develop becomes a guiding light for both of them and forms the emotional fabric of the movie.

The cast also includes Shana Swash who gives a stellar performance as the tireless and kind-hearted care worker named Eve. Her relationship with Luke is heart-warming, offering a tender portrayal of caregiving. Sarah Ioannou further adds to the movie's strong emotionally-driven narrative with her subtle yet powerful performance as a young woman named Hayley.

“My Feral Heart” is not merely a drama, it's a portrait of how life can be beautiful and how every individual, regardless of any disability, can paint it with their hues. The film takes audiences into a world often overlooked and allows them to appreciate the reality of inclusion, showcasing people with Down syndrome as actual characters with desires and dreams, played out with authenticity.

Director Jane Gull's use of muted color palettes and unhurried pacing imbues the film stylistically with an atmospheric tone and gives it a sense of realism that is raw and haunting in its depiction of rural life. The nuanced performances of the cast punctuate the movie's visual style, while the engaging script by Paveling provides ample opportunities for the characters to exhibit an array of emotions.

My Feral Heart can be poignantly real at times, aided by its strong performances, touching narrative, and its deft camerawork that juxtaposes the stark care home against the peaceful countryside. Through a delicate, sensitive exploration of Luke's world, the movie touches upon the vast spectrum of human emotion, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities behind each character's actions.

The film beautifully embraces contrasting themes of confinement and freedom, loneliness and companionship, limitation and exploration, subtly nudging the audience to ponder on them. As the story unfolds, the movie immerses viewers in a thoughtfully crafted world straddling tragedy, joy, and the intrinsic beauty of life's unexpected moments.

My Feral Heart is an unusual and rare film. It’s a slice of life narrative that breathes with its own rhythm and speaks its own language. With a phenomenal performance by Steven Brandon and the supporting cast, coupled with powerful storytelling, it does not just narrate a story but introduces us to life from a completely different and compelling perspective. It's an engaging, sensitive and beautifully shot film that is a must-watch for lovers of independent cinema.