Often, you watch a movie to cheer yourself up, occasionally something edifying, something not too serious. So why watch something so miserable that you find yourself with a lump in your throat and the urge to hide forever under your duvet? For a movie to stir me, it really needs to have incredibly convincing performances. This movie has those in spades. Peter Mullan and Olivia Coleman are incredible. This movie is brutal in every sense.
The 2011 British film Tyrannosaur, directed by Paddy Considine, is a harrowing exploration of human suffering, redemption, and the possibility of change. With its stark depiction of violence and tenderness, the film delves deep into the lives of its protagonists, Joseph and Hannah, who are brought together by their mutual pain and need for salvation. Tyrannosaur is not merely a story about the characters’ personal journeys but also a profound commentary on the impact of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.
Joseph
Peter Mullan’s portrayal of Joseph is raw and unflinching. Joseph is a man consumed by rage, evidenced in the film’s opening scene where he kicks his dog to death in a fit of uncontrollable anger. This act of violence sets the tone for the character’s volatile nature and the deep-seated anguish that drives him. Joseph is a character forged in a furnace of despair, his life marked by loss and loneliness. His aggression serves as both a shield and a weapon, protecting him from further emotional harm while simultaneously isolating him from any semblance of human connection.
Yet, as the film progresses, Joseph’s rough exterior begins to crack, revealing a deeply wounded soul yearning for redemption. His encounter with Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker, becomes the catalyst for this transformation. Joseph’s gradual softening towards Hannah, his burgeoning sense of protectiveness, and his eventual desire to atone for his past misdeeds showcase a man grappling with the possibility of change, battling his demons while seeking a path towards inner peace.
Hannah
Olivia Colman delivers a masterful performance as Hannah, a woman whose outward appearance of serenity and kindness masks a life of profound suffering. Hannah’s deep religious faith and her compassionate demeanour stand in stark contrast to Joseph’s aggressive and embittered persona. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that Hannah’s life is far from idyllic. She endures horrific domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, James, which she conceals beneath a veneer of piety and optimism.
Hannah’s character embodies the theme of hidden pain and the quiet strength required to endure it. Her interactions with Joseph reveal her compassionate nature, but they also highlight her own need for solace and understanding. Through Hannah, the film explores the intersection of faith, suffering, and resilience. Her journey is one of reclaiming her sense of self-worth and finding the courage to escape her abusive situation.
Tyrannosaur is replete with themes of violence, redemption, and the search for human connection. The film does not shy away from the brutality of life, portraying scenes of domestic abuse, animal cruelty, and raw emotional outbursts. This unvarnished depiction of violence serves to underscore the depths of the characters’ suffering and the difficulty of their paths to redemption.
The titular Tyrannosaur itself, although a metaphor for the destructive rage within Joseph, is the not-so-nice pet name for his late wife. In truth, Joseph is more well suited to that name. Just as a tyrannosaur is a fearsome predator, Joseph’s anger makes him a dangerous presence in his own life and the lives of those around him. However, this metaphor evolves throughout the film. As Joseph begins to confront his inner turmoil, he moves from embodying the tyrannosaur’s destructive power to seeking ways to tame and ultimately transform it.
Hannah’s character symbolises hope and the potential for change. Despite her own suffering, she reaches out to Joseph, offering him a glimpse of compassion and understanding. Her faith, though tested, becomes a source of strength that propels her to take drastic steps towards her own liberation.
Tyrannosaur is a poignant and visceral examination of the human condition. Through the harrowing journeys of Joseph and Hannah, the film delves into themes of violence, redemption, and the enduring quest for connection and understanding. Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman’s powerful performances bring to life the complexity of their characters, making their pain palpable and their journeys deeply affecting.
Paddy Considine’s directorial debut is a testament to his ability to weave a narrative that is both brutally honest and profoundly empathetic. Tyrannosaur challenges its audience to confront the darkest aspects of humanity while offering a glimmer of hope that even in the depths of despair, the possibility of redemption and transformation remains within reach.
Have your tissues at the ready, as this movie certainly pulls hard on the heart-strings.
Wording 