Dark River

"There's scarcely room here for improvement at the level of craft or performance; in particular, it's gratifying to see leading lady Ruth Wilson headlining a big-screen vehicle worthy of her flinty brilliance."

"Rural life is familiar terrain for British cinema, but with Barnard as our guide, it remains an enthralling destination."

"Wilson and Stanley are both excellent performers and they are the mainstays of a valuable piece of work, but I felt the ending was contrived and a bit grandiloquent."

"Once again, Barnard delivers an intimate take on a difficult subject, raising anticipation for her future work should she decide to scale up."

"This is a powerful film with a grinding intensity about it. Light relief it isn't but Dark River still has quite an impact."

"A moving, North of England-set portrait of marginalised working-class cultures and the resilience of damaged children."

"This is a wilder, bigger thing than just another farmyard sink drama. There may be little you haven't seen elsewhere, but there's no denying the skill here."