Pelican Blood Review

A film about a couple who bond over bird watching may sound like a rather tame affair, possibly the kind of movie your grandma would enjoy on a Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Pelican Blood (named for reasons that become apparent at its conclusion), however, is a story as black as jet and is at times a difficult and troubling to watch. And while it is a good film, it is highly unlikely grandma is going to enjoy it.

Nikko (Treadaway) is a self-harming, suicidal, recently bereaved twenty-two year with an obsession with bird watching and is nearing five hundred sightings, or ‘ticks’ as he refers to them on his list. Following the death of his mother and his release from an institution, Stevie (Booth), his estranged, wildlife activist ex-girlfriend reintroduces herself into Nikko’s life, much to the chagrin of his friends and sister. Nikko and Stevie share a deep love, but their self-destructive tendencies increase when they are together – can the couple survive their own relationship?

The novel of the same name by Cris Freddi, on which the film is based, drew comparisons toTrainspotting by Irvine Welsh. There is also a similarity between the two film adaptations too, particularly as a study of the self-destructiveness of the young and directionless. Director Karl Golden may not have quite the same visual flair as Danny Boyle, but he has a similar knack for portraying interesting and vibrant, yet unglamorous characters in a cinematic and compelling manner. Scenes of violence (or the potential of violence) and sex and intrinsically linked at times, making for disturbing viewing on more than one occasion.

The two leads are very good in their roles and upsettingly believable at points. The supporting cast are also very solid and I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Nikko and his sister Elaine (Clifford), which was fraught with love and tension. The film also boasts a hip indie soundtrack, featuring contributions from acts such as Crystal Castles and The Do.

The bird watching context that fuels much of the action in the film, which in the wrong hands could have become trite and even somewhat ridiculous, was interesting and even (perhaps remarkably) seemed rather edgy and cool at points. It is as much a nihilistic compulsion for Nikko as heroin is for Renton. When asked by a kid what the point of twitching is, Nikko replies forebodingly, ‘there is no point’. To continually compare Pelican Blood to Trainspotting though is to do the film a disservice. It is a very decent film in its own right and whilst unlikely to be seen by millions, it will no doubt attract a dedicated cult following. Seek it out and tick it off your list.