On the North Yorkshire Moors, Abel, Head Gamekeeper, discovers the thing that is eating his grouse.
This solid short was co-written and directed by Sophie Mair and Dan Gitsham. Despite its brief running time, their screenplay covers sociological problems, rural isolation, and nifty special effects in a riveting manner.
Set on the moody Yorkshire moors, Abel (Eoin Slattery) a gamekeeper, continues to find his grouses decapitated around his property. He’s a rugged Englishman, anxiously moving about in a green hunting vest that complements the brilliant colors of the rugged moorland. His wife Megan (Rebecca Palmer) looks at him with disdain and confusion after he carries out a shocking act of violence.
I actually wish it was longer but the final scene and ending credits gave me a nostalgic feeling like watching an old British horror from the 1970s. I’ll most certainly be keeping an eye out for this talented cast and crew.
“The Thing That Ate the Birds” recently had its North American Premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival
