The Shadow of Violence

[Cosmo Jarvis] is quietly gripping as Arm.

Despite the claustrophobic entrapment in a violent and hyper-masculine world, 'The Shadow of Violence' is an ultimately moving morality tale announcing a confident new voice in international cinema.

While Jarvis puts a memorable mug to the script's meditations, you have to squint too much to see director Rowland's signature on this broad idea of machismo.

There is just enough ambiguity onscreen, particularly during the movie's early stretch, that the narrative machinery isn't too conspicuous.

This film is so visceral and wrenching.

It's Jarvis whose potential star power leaps out at you.

A live-wire drama sparking with soul thanks to an exceptionally great cast.

A bleak Irish gangster movie, filled with despair and a black humor.

A pair of lead performances from young notables Cosmo Jarvis and Barry Keoghan supply the requisite energy to keep the narrative rolling through the paces.

Shakes off well-worn cliches and genre conventions and turns into a provocative, poignant character study.