Showing @ Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Tue 25 Jun & Cineworld, Edinburgh, Thu 27 Jun

Jamie Chambers / UK / 2013 / 90 mins

One of the world premieres at this year’s EIFF, Jamie Chambers’ wistful drama conjures up a longing for the peaceful wilds of Scotland. Set in a remote Scottish village, Ruadhan (Andrew Rothney) is a twenty-something would-be folk singer, with a passion for the traditional way of life. When one of the elder residents passes away, Ruadhan gradually descends into mania, as the stable life he’s used to begins to change out of his control.

If it weren’t for the occasional shot of contemporary culture (iPod headphones), the action could be taking place in the 1970s. This purposeful understatement of modern influences mirrors Ruadhan’s obsession with not letting go of the past, either through forgotten songs or people dying. While Ruadhan’s idiosyncratic behaviour (always carrying a sackcloth bag filled with drift wood, living on a grounded boat) is interesting to watch and at times endearing, it feels a bit like Chambers is trying too hard to make him quirky, resulting in the character becoming tiresome. The coupling of the bewitchingly rural landscapes (foaming waves, the ancient crumbling stone building) and the lilting tones of the mellifluous Celtic ballads bleeds a pleasing sense of traditional nostalgia over the film, heightened by the many elder cast members. This is a frustrating albeit beautiful clash of custom versus change.

Showing as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2013