Tumult (2012)

Bloodied and cleaved, a family of Viking warriors are traversing the heather-clad moors of the highlands of Scotland with their father almost certain to die of his battle wounds. There is discord amongst his sons, though, when he indicates that his eldest will succeed but that is soon superseded by something altogether unexpected (by them and us) as this short features heads squarely for the comically macabre. It can’t have had much of a budget, but auteur Johnny Barrington creates quite an effective first five minutes of drama before the mood changes altogether and, without wishing to spoil the surprise, really quite entertainingly too. Perhaps Scots folk might appreciate the darkness more, but I can think of so many scenarios where an axe or a sword could just save so much time, effort and words! Give it a go, it shouldn’t disappoint and may raise a grimace!