Running Time: 87 Minutes
Certification: 18
Starring: Neil Maskell, David Hayman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Lois Brabin-Platt
Writer-director Paul Andrew Williams wastes no time throwing viewers into the thick of it. Former gang-enforcer Bill (Neil Maskell) returns to his old home after a 10-year absence, and the opening moments show him committing just the film's first murder. There's no interest in taking matters easy and reconnecting with old faces, Bull has been to hell-and-back and isn't wasting time in getting his revenge.
As the opening shows this bloodlust in action, a question lingers; what happened to warrant such viciousness? The story unfolds before viewers eyes, as past events help fill in the blanks and paint the present with such vivid tragedy. These ensuing scenes establishes relationships, unveils dynamics, and lays bare the painful parts for all to witness.
In the titular role, Maskell gives a powerhouse performance which captures this broken character with such intensity. It's the type of turn which turns dialogue referencing nursery rhymes into something spine-chilling. While a part of him clings to happy memories, they're a comfort he knows can never be replicated, as shown when the film juxtaposes these joyous past moments with the brutal acts committed in the present.
Among the terrific supporting cast, David Hayman towers with an intimidating performance as the chilling gang boss reacting to Bull's onslaught. As the vicious one-man mission occurs to gruesome effect, it heightens the danger within this gripping and tense thriller. What's left is a bleak and brutal tale of revenge which lingers.
Bull is available in cinemas now
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