A Field in England 2014
Directed by
Ben Wheatley
Made by
Drafthouse Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of A Field in England (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
During the tumultuous English Civil War, an alchemist’s assistant named Whitehead finds himself fleeing from the iron grip of the strict Commander Trower. Just when it seems all hope is lost, he is rescued by a rugged soldier named Cutler, who bravely eliminates Trower to ensure Whitehead’s escape. Along their journey, they encounter two deserters, the seasoned veteran Jacob and the naïve Friend. The unexpected band of four sets off to locate an ale house that Cutler claims is just around the corner.
However, instead of finding the ale house, Cutler leads them to a strange field abundantly filled with mushrooms. Here, he prepares a meal using these mushrooms and encourages the others to indulge, although Whitehead abstains due to fasting. After their feast, they unearth an Irishman known as the Wizard O’Neill, a character both cunning and dangerous, who is also a rival to Whitehead’s master. O’Neill quickly takes charge, revealing he possesses knowledge of a hidden treasure located within the field.
The group soon arrives at O’Neill’s camp, where he enforces his will upon Whitehead, coercing him into becoming a human divining rod to locate the treasure. Using Whitehead’s abilities, they discover the treasure is, in fact, nearby the camp. O’Neill orders Jacob and Friend to start digging while he takes a moment to rest. As they dig, Jacob falls under the influence of the hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to chaos where he attacks Friend. The situation escalates when Cutler interjects with laughter but in a moment of conflict accidentally injures Friend, who dies after delivering a bitter message about hating his wife.
Cutler is left to continue the digging alone while Whitehead, mourning the loss, discreetly hides Friend’s body. As tension rises, O’Neill notices the disappearance of Jacob and Whitehead, leading to a frantic chase. After a surreal experience induced by a high dose of mushrooms, Whitehead conjures a storm that wreaks havoc on their camp. Meanwhile, Cutler discovers the so-called treasure is merely a skull and, in frustration, shoots it.
In a climactic turn, Cutler confronts O’Neill, accusing him of deceit. The confrontation ends abruptly when O’Neill retaliates and kills Cutler. In an act of desperation, Whitehead and Jacob gather weapons from Cutler’s arsenal to prepare for an assault as Friend returns unexpectedly, revealing their position. A violent skirmish ensues where O’Neill shoots Jacob, but Jacob bravely strikes back, fatally wounding O’Neill. The battle takes a tragic turn as Jacob perishes, acknowledging that the true treasure was the bond they shared.
In a final confrontation, Friend tries to weaponize Cutler’s pike against O’Neill but meets a grim fate at O’Neill’s hand. Seizing the moment of vulnerability, Whitehead ultimately ends O’Neill’s reign by shooting him from behind.
As the dust settles, Whitehead solemnly buries his fallen comrades in the ground they fought over and finally departs from the field. Dressed in O’Neill’s clothes, he gathers his master’s stolen documents and retraces his steps to the hedgerow where their venture began, deafened by the echoes of battle around him. Upon stepping through the hedge, he witnesses a poignant vision of friendship—their trio reunited in spirit, standing together once more.
Timeline
Track the key events of A Field in England (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Whitehead's Escape
In the midst of the English Civil War, Whitehead, an alchemist's assistant, finds himself in grave danger under the watchful eye of Commander Trower. Just as hope seems lost, a rugged soldier named Cutler intervenes, bravely confronting and eliminating Trower, allowing Whitehead to flee to safety.
The Meeting with Deserters
As they travel together, Whitehead and Cutler come across two deserters, the seasoned Jacob and the naive Friend. This unexpected band of four forms a camaraderie and sets out in search of an ale house that Cutler claims is just nearby, fostering a sense of shared adventure amidst the chaos of war.
The Mushroom Field
Instead of reaching the ale house, Cutler leads the group to a strange field filled with mushrooms. Here, he prepares a meal using the fungi and encourages the others to partake in the feast, while Whitehead abstains due to his fasting, setting the stage for looming chaos.
Discovery of the Wizard O'Neill
After their meal, the group stumbles upon the cunning Irishman, the Wizard O'Neill, who emerges as a rival to Whitehead’s master. O'Neill quickly asserts his dominance, claiming he knows the location of hidden treasure in the field, enticing the group with the promise of wealth.
Becoming a Human Divining Rod
O'Neill coerces Whitehead into becoming a human divining rod to locate the treasure. Utilizing Whitehead’s alchemical skills, they soon discover that the treasure lies nearby, increasing tensions among the group as greed and desperation begin to surface.
Chaos from Hallucinogens
As the group begins digging for the treasure, Jacob succumbs to the influence of the hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to a disastrous conflict where he attacks Friend. The situation spirals further when Cutler's attempt to laugh off the chaos results in an accidental injury to Friend, marking a turning point in their journey.
Friend's Last Words
As Friend lies dying after the accidental injury, he delivers a bitter message of resentment towards his wife, highlighting his internal struggles and regrets. This moment deeply affects the group, particularly Whitehead, who mourns the loss and feels compelled to discreetly hide Friend's body amidst rising tensions.
Whitehead's Surreal Experience
In an altered state induced by the mushrooms, Whitehead conjures a chaotic storm that wreaks havoc on O'Neill's camp. The surreal experience reflects the internal and external chaos among the group as distrust grows and alliances become increasingly fragile.
Confrontation with O'Neill
Cutler confronts O'Neill, accusing him of deceit regarding the treasure. The heated exchange escalates rapidly, culminating in O'Neill's violent retaliation, leaving Cutler dead and adding to the dread that has overtaken the group.
Preparing for Assault
In the aftermath of Cutler's death, Whitehead and Jacob gather weapons from Cutler's arsenal to prepare for an impending assault. The remaining band members brace themselves for a conflict that feels inevitable, underscoring the loss and betrayal felt within their ranks.
The Violent Skirmish
A violent skirmish breaks out when O'Neill shoots Jacob, but in a moment of courage, Jacob fatally wounds O'Neill. The battle starkly illustrates the often tragic consequences of their desperate quest for treasure and the breakdown of their makeshift brotherhood.
Jacob's Sacrifice
As Jacob succumbs to his injuries, he reflects on the true treasure being the bond they shared, delivering a poignant message on love and friendship just before his demise. This moment encapsulates the tragic loss felt by the remaining survivors.
Friend's Final Stand
In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Friend tries to use Cutler's pike against O'Neill but ultimately meets his end at O'Neill's hands. His demise adds to the mounting tragedy and underscores the futility of their violent quest for wealth.
End of O'Neill's Reign
Seizing an opportunity during O'Neill's moment of vulnerability, Whitehead shoots him from behind, ending his tyrannical hold over the group. This act signifies a shift in power but raises ethical questions about revenge and survival within a broken alliance.
Whitehead's Solemn Departure
After the dust settles, Whitehead solemnly buries his fallen comrades in the very ground they sought to claim for treasure. Dressed in O'Neill's clothes, he gathers his master's stolen documents and retraces his steps, ultimately witnessing a magical vision of friendship as he steps through the hedge.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring A Field in England (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Whitehead
Whitehead is an alchemist's assistant portrayed as introspective and morally conflicted. His journey reflects an evolution from innocence to a harsh understanding of survival's cost. As the narrative unfolds, he becomes the grounding force amidst chaos, culminating in a profound, solitary realization of his lost comrades.
Cutler
Cutler emerges as a rugged soldier with a mix of bravado and fatalism. Initially a protector, his actions are marred by impulsivity and carelessness, leading to tragic consequences. His descent from a reluctant hero to a tragic figure underscores the cost of violent conflict.
Jacob
Jacob is a seasoned veteran whose experience contrasts sharply with Friend's naivety. His struggle with the influence of the mushrooms highlights the thin line between sanity and madness, showcasing his bravery and eventual tragic downfall. His character represents the burden of past memories and camaraderie.
Friend
Friend serves as the naïve counterpoint to Jacob's nuances. Eager yet ill-prepared for the world of conflict, his character arc underscores the harsh realities faced in dire circumstances. His tragic fate is a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in human connection and the price of folly.
O'Neill
O'Neill is introduced as cunning and manipulative, ultimately seeking to dominate Whitehead and exploit his abilities. His charm masks a dangerous ambition, leading to betrayals that culminate in his downfall. O'Neill embodies the chaos inherent in human greed and the moral ambiguities of survival.
Commander Trower
Commander Trower represents unwavering authority during the chaos of the English Civil War. His strictness and determination to control the situation set the stage for Whitehead's perilous escape. Though his screen time is limited, his presence is crucial in illustrating the oppressive forces at play.
Setting
Uncover the settings of A Field in England (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists. This tumultuous period, marked by chaos and the struggle for power, significantly influences the characters' actions and drives the story's conflict. The desperation of the characters mirrors the larger societal upheaval of the time.
Location
Field in England, Ale House
The movie takes place in a mysterious field in England, known for its unusual abundance of mushrooms that play a pivotal role in the events. This eerie landscape becomes a battleground where friendship and betrayal unfold. The ale house, promised by Cutler, represents the normalcy and refuge that eludes the characters throughout their harrowing journey.
Themes
Explore the core themes of A Field in England (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Conflict
Conflict is central to the narrative, reflected in both the external battles of the English Civil War and the internal struggles among the characters. Each character is forced to confront loyalty, deception, and the harsh realities of survival. The violent clashes highlight the chaos of both war and personal relationships.
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Surrealism
The use of hallucinogenic mushrooms introduces a surreal element to the story, distorting reality and influencing characters' decisions. This theme explores the blurring of sanity and madness, revealing deeper truths amidst the chaos. The surreal experiences serve as a catalyst for the characters' transformations and the unfolding tragedy.
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Friendship
The theme of friendship is poignantly intertwined with betrayal and loss. The bond between the characters becomes a source of strength but also a catalyst for tragedy. Their relationships evolve through shared experiences, ultimately emphasizing the idea that true treasure lies in human connection, not material fortune.
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