Independent Cinema for Everyone

Can you remember a virus that led to the deaths of over 6 million animals? Speak to a farmer, vet or anyone from an agricultural background and they’ll most definitely remember 2001’s Foot and Mouth outbreak. It was a national crisis resulting in the mass culling of cows, sheep and pigs and the loss of many farming jobs.

And Then Come the Nightjars is centred around this dark time and set on a farm in Dartmoor. Originally written for the stage, local writer Bea Robert’s sharply written script revolves around the lives of a farmer from Okehampton (Michael played by David Fielder) and a vet (Jeffrey played by Nigel Hastings).

 Their warm and good-humoured friendship is abruptly called into question when a neighbouring farm’s cattle becomes infected and Jeffrey is forced by The Ministry of Agriculture to take preventative action on Michael’s beloved cattle (or “girls” as he fondly refers to his Friesians.)

The farmer sees the vet’s actions as the ultimate act of betrayal even if, deep down, he knows the vet has no choice but to follow orders from the government. Can the widowed farmer ever forgive his friend and help him out when he later falls on hard times? Or will the farmer become even more bitter and turn his back on Jeffrey for good?

This is a warm and tender look at the farming community and the impact of the virus. At its heart though, is the fragile bond between vet and farmer; it’s a unique bond which solidifies over time.

Society is finally encouraging men to turn their back on toxic masculinity i.e., the need to always be strong and not show any signs of emotional, or physical, weakness. And Then Come the Nightjars captures the essence of today’s important conversations about male mental health. Jeffrey needs Mike and Mike needs Jeffrey. It’s not quite Broke Back Mountain without the sexual tension but it’s similar in the sense that the film’s sole focus is on two men: a relatively rare but precious premise in film.

There are lots of hard-hitting moments but also humorous moments too which makes this unlikely friendship more credible.  David Fielder is the master of a quick one liner. Even when Jeffrey is at his lowest point, Farmer Mike has a unique way of making light of the situation. Fielder is an excellent actor creating a believable portrayal of a tough, old man with a softer than soft interior.  

Another star of the film is Dartmoor. Director Paul Robinson’s lingering wide angled shots of the farmer’s land and the surrounding area show both the beauty of rural Okehampton as and its remote nature. There’s not a human in sight; just panoramic views of fresh, vibrant green countryside. The film is worth going to see for this aspect of its cinematography alone.

Overall, And Then Come the Nightjars gives its audience an insight into the ethical dilemmas vets faced in 2001 when they had to kill the animals they would usually care for. It’s also a love letter to the older generation of farmers who are slowly dying out. 

I dare you to see this film and not cry! Well worth the cost of the extra tissues you’ll need to take with you. 

By Cathryn Macey