A Guide to Becoming an Elm Tree (2023)

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  ScreenZealots

  8 / 10

  Haunting, brooding, and disquieting, “A Guide to Becoming an Elm Tree” is a micro-budget independent film that finds profound meaning in its ghostly tale. Co-director Adam and Skye Mann concoct an atmospheric, slow burning, eerie Irish folk fable that becomes a deeply affecting meditation on mourning and death.
  
  Lonely, grief-stricken Padraig (James Healy-Meaney) needs help building a coffin for his wife. He finds the aid he’s seeking from the mysterious carpenter John (Gerry Wade), who shares his knowledge of the art of coffin making. John cautions Padraig to respect the history of the trees that have given their wood to make the coffin, but he ignores the old man’s warning and instead throws himself into the backbreaking work. Not long after he starts, Padraig finds a supernatural book in the carpenter’s library that promises to ease his sorrow. Unable to resist, it leads the widower down a dangerous path.
  
  Beautifully shot in black and white, the film features stunning, uncomplicated photography. Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple, and cinematographer Conor Tobin‘s work shows commanding skill, especially when paired with the precise framing and direction. The look and mood both fit the story, making this a project that is visually handsome in every way.
  
  The Manns take their time with a methodical storytelling that lends itself well to the material. Without a strong lead performance from Healy-Meaney and equally solid supporting turns from the small cast, this film could’ve easily been dead in the water. Thankfully, everything comes together to create a dark and thoughtful exploration of grief and the human psyche.
  
  “A Guide to Becoming an Elm Tree” is a compelling ghost story that revels in its haunting moodiness, finding success without a massive budget or cheap jump scares. It is the type of film that will speak to the darkest parts of your soul, if you let it.
  
  By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

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