Calibre Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two city guys go hunting, accidentally turn a scenic Scottish village into their personal crime scene, and then it’s all about covering up instead of facing the music, with everyone making increasingly bad choices.

🍿 Calibre: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hunting Trip Begins

Marcus, a businessman, takes his friend Vaughn, whose fiancee is pregnant, on a hunting trip to the Scottish Highlands. Vaughn is inexperienced in hunting. They stay in a remote village, encountering locals who hint at the area’s economic struggles and a sense of isolation.

A Tragic Accident

During the hunt, Vaughn accidentally shoots and kills a young boy hidden behind a deer. The boy’s father arrives, and Marcus impulsively shoots and kills him. This sets off a chain of increasingly desperate decisions to cover up the crime, driven by Marcus’s fear of the legal consequences.

Cover-Up and Suspicion

Marcus convinces Vaughn to hide the bodies. They attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy in the village, but their actions arouse suspicion among the locals. The tension escalates as the villagers begin a search for the missing boy and his father.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vaughn (Jack Lowden): A soon-to-be father who accidentally kills a young boy during a hunting trip, setting off a chain of tragic events.
• Marcus (Martin McCann): Vaughn’s aggressive and reckless friend whose actions escalate the consequences of the hunting accident.
• Logan McClay (Tony Curran): The leader of the local community who seeks to protect his own, leading to a moral dilemma.
• Brian McClay (Ian Pirie): Logan’s brother, fueled by anger and grief, advocates for a more brutal form of justice against the outsiders.
• Iona (Kate Bracken): A local woman who becomes entangled in the events and represents the moral ambiguity of the community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marcus: “So I guess you finally had sex with a woman.” – Marcus teases Vaughn about his relationship, highlighting their different lifestyles at the start of the ill-fated trip.
• Marcus: “We say nothing. To anyone.” – Marcus insists on covering up the accidental shooting, setting the tragic events in motion.
• Logan: “There’s gonna be consequences for this.” – Logan foreshadows the local community’s reaction to the unfolding events, emphasizing their insular nature.
• Vaughn: “What have I done?” – Vaughn’s despairing question after committing the ultimate act highlights his moral collapse.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 Calibre Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Calibre really messed with my head. From the start, I felt this sense of impending doom, like something terrible was about to happen. When the accident finally occurred, I was genuinely shocked. I think I actually gasped out loud. Watching Vaughn unravel under the pressure was excruciating, and that ending? I was left speechless. I kept thinking, ‘What would I have done?’ It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful one. Definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something that will stay with you long after the credits roll. I felt so tense and uncomfortable the whole time, but in a good way! This one’s going to stick with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark, suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Those interested in films exploring moral dilemmas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmCritic: “Calibre is a masterclass in building tension. The stunning Scottish landscapes are juxtaposed with the increasingly desperate actions of the protagonists, creating a palpable sense of dread. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the performances are stellar, and the film keeps you glued to your seat until the bitter end. Don’t expect jump scares, but prepare for a slow-burn thriller that will leave you disturbed.
• ThrillerFanatic: “A descent into paranoia. Calibre starts with a tragic accident and spirals into a web of lies and mistrust. The film excels in its portrayal of moral ambiguity. The suspense is gripping, and the characters are well-developed, making their choices, however questionable, feel believable. Not for the faint of heart.

Audience Reactions

The intense suspense had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie.: Many viewers praised the film’s realistic portrayal of a moral dilemma and the excellent performances from the cast.

The beautiful yet foreboding Scottish scenery added to the overall sense of unease.: The cinematography and atmospheric tension were frequently mentioned as standout features.

Overall Consensus: Calibre is a tense and unsettling thriller with strong performances and a thought-provoking story. While the plot might be predictable for some, the film’s atmosphere and moral complexity make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. BAFTA Scotland Awards (Best Film)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Calibre was writer-director Matt Palmer’s debut feature film.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location in Scotland, utilizing the natural beauty and isolation of the Highlands to enhance the tense atmosphere.”
• “The script took nine years to reach the screen, reflecting the difficulty of securing funding for independent films with dark and morally complex themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Calibre?

Calibre is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Rental or purchase options may be available through platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Calibre, you might like these similar films:

• Deliverance (1972): Explores the themes of city dwellers confronting the dangers and moral compromises of the wilderness, with deadly consequences.
• Eden Lake (2008): A couple on vacation is terrorized by local youths, creating a terrifying and suspenseful confrontation with a hostile community.
• A Lonely Place to Die (2011): Features a group of mountaineers who encounter a kidnapped girl and must fight to survive against ruthless pursuers in the Scottish Highlands.
• Wind River (2017): Deals with the themes of murder, cover-up, and justice in a remote community, highlighting the isolation and harsh realities of rural life.

🛒 Calibre Related Products

• Scottish Highlands Landscape Photography Print: Capture the stunning and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands featured in Calibre. This high-quality print brings the film’s atmosphere to your home.
• The Ultimate Hunter’s Guide: Become a professional hunter, safety is paramount in every hunt. Learn hunting best practices and how to handle weapons safely.
• The Ethical Dilemma Board Game: Engage in thought-provoking scenarios that force you to make difficult moral choices. Inspired by the themes of Calibre, this game challenges your sense of right and wrong.
• Calibre: Limited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook: Own a piece of cinematic tension with this limited edition Steelbook featuring exclusive artwork and behind-the-scenes content.

🎧 Soundtrack

Calibre features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Unknown Road” – performed by Unknown Artist
• “Highland Lament” – performed by Traditional Scottish Folk

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Calibre: Ending Explained (Netflix Original Movie 2018)

Confused by that ending? This video breaks down all the complex motivations and underlying themes of the movie ‘Calibre’. I personally found it super helpful in understanding the film’s message!

10 Forgotten Remote Outpost Horror Movie Gems

Enjoyed ‘Calibre’ and looking for similar thrills? This video highlights ‘Calibre’ alongside other under-the-radar horror films set in remote locations. I think you’ll discover your next favorite hidden gem!

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