Jamie Childs wrote and directed Jackdaw, in his directorial debut. The film stars Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Jenna Coleman, Thomas Turgoose, Rory McCann & Joe Blackmore.
Jackdaw is set in Hartlepool in the northeast of England. It follows Jack, a former motocross champion and army veteran, also known as Jackdaw, throughout a single night as his attempt to make some quick cash goes wrong. Fighting against time, Jackdaw must confront the ghosts of his past and set things right.
Rarely do I watch a film with so many glaring strange decisions and still leave satisfied with what I have watched. I had plenty of questions but enjoyed the ride. Jackdaw is one of these rare instances; there is a good film behind the awful needle drop, which turns a hardcore gym into a softcore porno, the horse-riding antagonist who seems to take more drugs than he sells and the underutilisation of Rory McCann.
Rory McCann may be unable to show his acting chops, but Thomas Turgoose certainly does. His film-stealing performance highlights his capabilities as an actor. It is baffling that he hasn’t had more success on the back of This Is England. The acting across the cast is solid, as they do their best with a limited script. Oliver Jackson-Cohen is commanding in the lead role and manages to convey his plight through facial expressions alone. His character is a tormented soul, which is evident from the first scene. We are immediately on board with his decisions and obsession with leaving his current environment, which haunts him.
Visually, this is where the film excels. It is difficult to make a film set predominantly at night look as good as it did. Street lighting and the surrounding environment are expertly used, with plenty of wide-angled shots highlighting the environment and giving the film a cinematic feel.
Jackdaw gives insight into the life of working-class British youth and the limited opportunities in a decaying country. The protagonist, Jack, represents that youth and its yearning for a better future.
Releases in UK cinemas on 26th January 2024
