The Hide (2008)

On the windswept Suffolk mudflats creaks a bird-hide, inside which hovers Roy Tunt, a prematurely aged, mildly obsessive-compulsive birder. With one more sighting - the elusive sociable ... See full summary »

Director:

Marek Losey

Writers:

Tim Whitnall (screenplay), Tim Whitnall (play)

Stars:

Alex Macqueen, Phil Campbell, Laura Hopwood

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Alex Macqueen	...	Roy Tunt (as Alex MacQueen)
Phil Campbell	...	Dave John (as Philip Campbell)
Laura Hopwood	...	Pumpkin (voice)
Howard Ward	...	D.I. Weston (voice)
Fred Perry	...	Dennis (voice)

Storyline

On the windswept Suffolk mudflats creaks a bird-hide, inside which hovers Roy Tunt, a prematurely aged, mildly obsessive-compulsive birder. With one more sighting - the elusive sociable plover - he will have 'twitched' the entire British List. Tunt has his shortwave radio, packed-lunch and a portrait of his ex-wife Sandra for company. Suddenly, in the midst of a conversation with Sandra's portrait, the hide door blows open and a bedraggled stranger - unshaven, edgy and bloodied introduces himself as Dave John, a fugitive from the storm. After a tense introduction, the two men discover that they have a good deal in common, sharing sandwiches, tea and personal exchanges which are frank, poignant and often funny. As the two men begin to form a close bond news of a police manhunt sets them both on edge driving their fragile relationship to a tragic conclusion.

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Plot Keywords:

fugitive | man wears eyeglasses | storm | stranger | plover | 

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Genres:

Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

The Last Days of May
Written and Performed by Sister Bliss

User Reviews

I liked it!

I was not sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it, and it kept my attention throughout, despite the late hour. The writing was excellent, both actors were terrific and the film was beautifully shot. The film is full of tension without descending into cheap shocks.

I would say it is less 'Pinteresque' (as one reviewer said) than Sam Shepherdesque... as you carry on thinking about the characters and the things you learn about them long after the film is over.

The scenes of the lonely marshland and the distant birds are very atmospheric, too.

I hope it gets the success it deserves! It's great to see a British film, and I presume a low-budget one, with such promise.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 June 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Hide

Filming Locations:

Elmley Marshes, Sheerness, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England, UK

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,313

Company Credits

Production Co:

Poisson Rouge Pictures, Solution Films Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Color:

Color