Reviews: The Droving (2020) Movie Review
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Exploring The Droving (2020) through our review, we cover its story, scares, and how it fits into the broader horror genre landscape.
The Droving (2020) is a folk horror thriller that leans into psychological mystery and atmospheric dread. Directed by George Popov, the film follows Martin (Daniel Oldroyd), a former soldier who returns home to investigate his sister’s disappearance. His search leads him into a small town preparing for “The Droving,” a local festival with eerie traditions and unsettling rituals. As Martin digs deeper, he uncovers a web of cryptic clues, strange locals, and an ancient ritual that may hold the key to his sister’s fate.
The Droving (2020) – A Slow-Burn Folk Horror Mystery
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Themes of isolation, obsession, and the blurred lines between myth and reality run throughout the film. The script slowly builds suspense, forcing the audience to question whether Martin’s mind is unraveling or if something truly sinister is at play. However, while the film delivers an intriguing premise, the pacing can feel sluggish, with moments where the mystery loses momentum.
Acting and Cinematography
Daniel Oldroyd delivers a solid performance as Martin, portraying a man haunted by his past and driven by an unrelenting need for answers. His quiet intensity adds a compelling layer to the character, but some of the supporting cast feels underdeveloped or unconvincing.
Visually, The Droving excels in capturing the haunting beauty of the English countryside. The cinematography creates a cold, unsettling atmosphere, with misty landscapes and dimly lit interiors adding to the sense of unease. The use of natural lighting and muted color tones enhances the folk horror aesthetic, making the world feel both grounded and eerie.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
George Popov’s direction leans into slow-burn tension, favoring psychological unease over outright horror. The film’s methodical storytelling works in some areas but can feel overly drawn out, especially in its middle act. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps the audience engaged, but the payoff may not satisfy those expecting a more intense horror experience.
Strengths:
- Atmospheric cinematography – The film’s visuals effectively capture the eerie, folk-horror setting.
- Strong lead performance – Daniel Oldroyd carries the film well, adding depth to his character.
- Intriguing mystery – The slow-revealed secrets create a compelling, eerie journey.
- Folklore influence – The film embraces folk horror elements, adding to its unsettling tone.
Weaknesses:
- Slow pacing – Some sections drag, making the film feel longer than necessary.
- Minimal horror elements – The film leans more into mystery and psychological tension than outright horror.
- Underdeveloped side characters – Many supporting roles feel one-dimensional or forgettable.
- Lack of a powerful climax – The ending may not feel as satisfying as the buildup suggests.
Final Verdict: 5/10
The Droving is an eerie, atmospheric folk horror mystery that succeeds in creating tension but struggles with pacing and a lack of strong supporting characters. Fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers may appreciate its methodical storytelling, but those seeking high-intensity horror might find it lacking.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Droving Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.00/10
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