Happy New Year, Colin Burstead is a 2018 British film directed by Ben Wheatley. Colin, played by Neil Maskell, has rented a stately country home for his family’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Colin’s extended family arrives at the house, including his mother, father, sister, and sister's husband. Colin is a bit of a control freak and takes charge of the preparations for the celebration, trying to create the perfect evening for everyone. His desire to control the festivities is fueled by his feelings of inadequacy and desire to impress his family.
Unexpectedly, Colin’s estranged brother David, played by Sam Riley, shows up, throwing the family dynamic far off orbit. David is a wild card, and his presence quickly becomes a source of tension within the family. The film follows the family as they try to navigate their relationships, while also dealing with unexpected events that keep popping up throughout the evening.
Throughout the film, we see various family members confront their own issues and secrets, including infidelity, addiction, and unresolved animosity. The tension and drama build to an explosive climax, making for an intense and emotional viewing experience.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Charles Dance, Joe Cole, Mark Monero, Sinead Matthews, and Hayley Squires. The cinematography is beautiful, and the film is shot in a naturalistic style, with handheld camera work and improvisation from the actors, which gives the film a sense of realism and authenticity.
Overall, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead is a thought-provoking and intense drama about family dysfunction and the complexities of human relationships.
