Reflective Encounters

“Man makes plans... and God laughs, wrote the author Michael Chabon. Don Vs Lightning is a gentle reminder (well, if you’re being struck by lightning multiple times, maybe not so gentle) of this as our titular character is denied the chance to live the quiet life he’s looking for. While the film plies its trade in absurdity – namely Don being repeatedly struck by lightning – there’s also an underlying streak of existential angst that adds some meat to the comedic bones of the film.

While director Big Red Button – erm – presses all the right buttons, making fine use of the majestic Highland surroundings that add a tinge of the grandiose to everything, much of the film’s success is also due to the wonderful performances by Peter Mullan and Joanna Scanlon. While Mullen has made a career out of darker roles, he’s a fine comic actor and indulges in some great moments of slapstick while Scalon is as subtly brilliant as she always is.

So if you do feel that God is laughing at you, then maybe you should laugh back. If nothing else, you might get a toastie out of it.”

— Laurence Boyce