Dickie and Higgins are a study in contrasts, giving versatile performances which convey distinctions in two people’s response to a traumatic experience. Dickie’s is a particularly impressive turn, her malleable physical skill imbuing Karen with both a fearful paranoia and simmering hyperactivity.

The unlikely bold altrock score elevates the often trying pace, as cinematographer Sam Clare makes the forest setting both a beautiful Eden and a threatening environ of distrust and fragile relationships. Lingering landscape shots almost become still photography, while a tendency to frame hands in close up emphasises the physical labour of this lifestyle.

After a slow build, Couple In A Hole develops from brooding drama to frenetic thriller. Attractive photography doesn’t amount to much, and the climax jars with all that comes before.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Paul Higgins, Kate Dickie, Jerome Kircher

WRITER: Tom Geens

DIRECTOR: Tom Geens

SYNOPSIS: A damaged couple live a reclusive life in the forest. Their solitude is complicated by a well-meaning neighbour.