'71 by Yann Demange

It is 1971, and a young soldier is sent to Northern Ireland along with his squad, where he finds himself lost in a situation of chaos and madness as the troubles reach a peak of uncontrollable violence. 
 
Anyone looking for an in depth depiction of the realism about the Troubles in Northern Ireland will be disappointed, as admittedly Demange is a little more interested in keeping the thrills and chills flowing through an intensity and feeling of outdoors claustrophobia that reminds one of some of the works of John Carpenter. This is thanks to a meticulous cinematography and sound editing that helps in absorbing the audience in what is a truly chilling and catches the viewer off guard in its most shocking moments.
Nevertheless, ’71 is quite respectful and sensible of the cultural context of its time and place, particularly in depicting a worrying picture of an environment where inhabitants and anyone crossing those streets needed to adapt to the situation fast. The theme of the separation between the Catholic factions and the Protestant factions are almost viewed upon as traditionalist stubbornness, whilst most people’s active involvement within the conflict is almost due to a lack of choice. 
 
Jack O’Connell stars in yet another powerful performance – he doesn’t need to say much but his bewildered and desperate gaze at the chaos that surrounds him is enough to make us fear for the young man’s life. 
 
This is an Alice in Wonderland tale gone wrong, as wherever he turns, he ends up getting caught in another dangerous predicament. There is also a remarkable balance in the structure of the plot that, particularly in its subplot of betrayal and the soft-spoken collaborationist attitude of the British army doesn’t become intricate and never disturbs the flow and overall forceful impact of ’71.