Saw it at TIFF. Other than needing English subtitles for the thick upcountry English accents it is a compelling drama. Well acted with a plot that unfolds perfectly, it is a movie that will grab and hold most viewers. And the English countryside is beautiful to behold throughout.

Barnard has made a rare film that's harsh without being off-putting. Watching these people struggle against themselves and each other is compelling.

If it feels overly familiar in the light of its aforementioned contemporaries, it's still a beautifully made and acted film and Barnard manages to pull off the tricksy resolution without it feeling contrived.

Clio Barnard's film is full of weather and brooding atmosphere, and Wilson is superb as the nervy but resourceful Alice. But Dark River loses its way somewhat in a jarringly melodramatic climax.

[Clio] Barnard is a director who deserves her place on your watch list; it would be cinema's loss if she didn't reunite with her Dark River stars in the future - they bring out the best in each other during the worst of times.

An impressive murder ballad.

On the whole, despite not being able to tick all the boxes, Dark River still manages to be intriguing, deeply engaging and fantastically well acted.

This worthwhile project is aided by a tough performance from Ruth Wilson in the lead role.

Dark River is beautiful but glum and uncomfortably melodramatic.

Sensitively explores the way a traumatic memory can seep through a life in the same way that poisoned groundwater can taint a piece of land.

For a former conceptual artist and documentarian, Barnard is strong on characterisation and narrative, as well as the social pressures and landscapes which shape lives. Like her previous films, Dark River also sees her taking the long view of a life.

It's about coming home, it's about moving on, it's about forgiveness and it's a terrific watch.

Barnard once again evokes a grubby, gothic landscape that'll get right under your fingernails. It'll stay there for weeks.

Dark River is a bracing reminder of Barnard's talent, but enter its depths with caution.

Despite a sadly muddled finale, this is a superior drama, led by Wilson's steely and focused performance and cleanly, concisely directed by Barnard.