The Unkindness of Ravens

The Unkindness of Ravens is a 2016 supernatural horror film from the United Kingdom that hails the talents of Michael Brewster, Ross Campbell, and Leon Carrington. The film is directed by the genre aficionado Lawrie Brewster, who is known for his expertise in meticulously crafting atmospheric horror settings.

The film is set in the bleak expanses of the Scottish Highlands. It revolves around the life of its central character, Andrew, portrayed by Jamie Scott Gordon, who grapples with the scars of traumatic memories from his military service. Andrew's chronic post-traumatic stress disorder forms the film’s grim spine, illustrated as a constant tug-of-war between his past's horrific recollection and his ongoing struggle against post-war reintegration into civil life.

Andrew finds uncalled assistance in Michael Brewster's character, a diligent support worker. He convinces Andrew to retreat to a cottage in the desolate Highlands to confront his haunting past. This trip weaves the two central themes of the movie – the metaphorical ravens of Andrew's PTSD and the folkloric, literal 'Ravens' seemingly alive in the Highland's wilderness.

Ross Campbell stars as a significant supporting character who further adds to the intriguing suspense and the raw edge of the film. At the same time, Leon Carrington brings layers of intensity and fear to this enigmatical ensemble with his gripping performance.

The storyline follows the psychological unraveling as Andrew's traumatic wartime experiences are projected onto the archaic mythology of the Raven Warriors. These notorious Celtic warriors, after falling in battle, were said to transform into ravens, entities feared for their unkindness by evoking the symbolic undertones of death, doom, and destruction.

Andrew perceives his latent traumas as these Raven Warriors, and as he descends deeper into the abyss of his troubled psyche, he finds himself embroiled in an escalating battle against these very horrors. The director's aesthetic choices personify the ancient horror mythology and Andrew's real, personal nocturnal terrors, amplifying the film's haunting undertones.

The Unkindness of Ravens transcends the conventional narrative style by boldly delving into the psychological intricacies of PTSD, while also conveniently fitting within the classic horror genre. Andrew’s character study provides an unprecedented, poignant exploration of wartime trauma as his haunting memories mirror the ancient entities of the raven warriors, drawing the viewers into a compelling, parallel narrative of terror and suspense.

By integrating the ghostly murmurings of folklore and the harrowing depiction of mental illness, the movie builds a framework that taps into primal fears. The cinematographic choices contribute further to the atmospheric trepidation- the vast, emptiness of the Scottish Highlands, the eerie interiors of the isolated cottage, the glimmering firelight or the chilling silhouettes. Every element conspires to ratchet up the tension, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Moreover, the film is not entirely grim and strives to find a balance by threading a subplot of resilience in Andrew's character. Beneath the supernatural horror and psychological torment, winds the narrative of a soldier's struggle to face his fears, to confront his pain, and the resilience to outrun the tormenting ravens of his past.

In conclusion, The Unkindness of Ravens is an innovative blend of psychological horror and supernatural mythology. The film utilizes its atmospheric setting and a chilling narrative to deliver a robust character study of a PTSD-afflicted veteran. Paired with committed performances from the cast, this underrated British horror film takes the viewers on a gut-wrenching journey to the darkest corners of the human mind that echo with ancient fears and modern nightmares. This movie, with its brutal depiction of human trauma, embedded weakness, resilience, and fear, is not just another horror film. It is a powerful commentary on how our internal demons often resonate with the archaic horrors encased in folklore and myth.