DVD Review: The Veteran
Director: Matthew Hope
Cast: Toby Kebbell, Brian Cox, Tony Curran, Ashley Thomas
Running Time: 98 minutes
Certificate: 15
Synopsis: Returning home from the war in Afghanistan, paratrooper Robert Miller (Toby Kebbell), finds his decaying council estate rife with drugs, guns and youth gangs, steered by local drug lord Tyrone (Ashley Thomas). Miller then finds himself recruited by shady government operatives (Brian Cox, Tony Curran) into spying on a suspected terrorist cell.
Shane Meadows’ DEAD MAN’S SHOES provided us not only with a great film, but also a noteworthy performance from Toby Kebbell, then in his cinematic debut in 2004. He has since gone on to impress both here in the UK, and in Hollywood, appearing in CONTROL, ROCKNROLLA, PRINCE OF PERSIA, and billed in the upcoming WRATH OF THE TITANS. As such, THE VETERAN is a return to low-budget roots for the rising actor.
The silent opening shots of Miller returning to his deserted council estate portray a grim depiction of inner city London, and it generally maintains that tone throughout. One kid, who can’t be much older than ten, takes great delight in threatening to kill anyone who angers him. It’s certainly a bleak tale as we witness Miller’s difficulty in adapting to home, with constant reminders of his time in Afghanistan. Unable to get a job, it seems his only option lies with an old army friend, where his previous skills as a paratrooper are in demand.
Director and co-writer Matthew Hope provides us with some remarkable camera shots at times. There’s a spectacular scene of Miller on his rooftop, surrounded by a fiery London skyline. Toby Kebbell is reliable as always, as are the venerable Brian Cox and Tony Curran. Also, Ashley Thomas pulls a surprise performance as Tyrone, although his accent is a little choppy. But he’s a menacing presence and it’s a shame his character wasn’t given more screen time.
Critically, it’s plotting and execution that let down THE VETERAN. It feels as if it consists of two different stories that have been blended together. The film asks too many questions that it just doesn’t have time to answer, apart from in occasional patchy exposition. THE VETERAN has echoes of both HARRY BROWN and TAXI DRIVER, especially with the latter. But while we see Travis Bickle effectively snap, it doesn’t feel the same with Miller. This generally seems to be the fault of the pacing which feels a bit rushed towards the end.
All in all, THE VETERAN is a firm, gritty addition to the malnourished UK film industry. It’s budget and lack of focus hinder it at times, but with it’s ambition and solid performances from the main cast, it’s certainly worth a watch.
THE VETERAN is out now on DVD and Blu-ray.
