Bull (2022) Review
Directed by: Paul Andrew Williams
Starring: Neil Maskell, David Hayman, Tamzin Outhwaite
Synopsis: Bull is a revenge thriller like no other. Ferocious, audacious, and blood-soaked, the latest from BAFTA-winning writer/director Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton) stars Neil Maskell (Kill List, Utopia) as a vicious mob enforcer seeking revenge on the gang that double-crossed him. Ten years after he was last seen, Bull (Maskell) returns home to methodically track down those who betrayed him and find his beloved son. With the ominous warning: “I’m coming for all of them,” Bull stalks his former gang, leading up to a savage showdown between his wife and her mob boss father (David Hayman – Taboo, Vertical Limit)).
Review: Neil Maskell delivers a career best performance as fierce henchman Bull.
Neil Maskell stars as a Bull, a ruthless henchman who returns after a ten year absence. He is back to get what was taken from him, his son.
Bull may get marketed as Britain’s answer to Taken but Bull is the movie Taken wishes it was, Bryan Mills has nothing on Bull, especially when it comes to interrogating. Take note from the scene with the heroin dealer which will make everyone wince.
David Hayman is on par with Maskell’s Bull. Hayman plays Bull’s father in-law and boss, Norm. Norm is a local crime boss who is cold and doesn’t have an ounce of humanity in him, he is the kind of man that would kill his own mum if he had to.
“Don’t grab the Bull by the horns”, we all know, it’s a choice you will live to regret. Anyone that wronged Bull ends up getting just desserts and no one gets it easy. This is a revenge movie at it’s finest.
Director Paul Andrew Williams has made a movie that will not only be spoken about among movie fans but a movie that will earn a cult status. Paul Andrew Williams doesn’t hold back on the violence and makes every use he can of the certificate rating [18] given.
A haunting scene is when Bull takes one of the to be dispatched goons to a fairground and they end up going on a ride that spins around gradually going [at Bulls request] faster and faster. The scene makes you dizzy and feel slightly uneasy and on-edge. From the brains of Paul Andrew Williams to the completely mesmerising yet menacing performance from Maskell this scene is one of many that will circle around your head long after the movie’s credits roll.
Bull will keep you glued to your seat, as you watch the story telling unfold, which jumps back and forth to past and present, filling in blanks and answering the questions the audience have conjured up throughout the movie. There’s a twist at the end which will catch most off guard and it only adds to what could eventually come.
Next, Maskell and Paul Andrew Williams need to do their take on Get Carter!
Bull is a remarkable movie, I would even go as far to say it’s the best British thriller in year’s. It’s not for the squeamish or those woozy when it comes to gore. The storytelling keeps you hooked and the performances are incredible! Bull is five stars!! Not to be missed.
