The Levelling

As Clover returns to her family’s farm located on the picturesque Somerset Levels, she is greeted by a heavy sense of sorrow and disarray. The recent death of her brother Harry has cast a long shadow over the property and its inhabitants. The once-vibrant farm is now plagued by decay, a stark reminder of the devastating floods that impacted the area. Her father, Aubrey, appears to be lost in grief, struggling to cope with Harry’s tragic absence.

Clover’s attempts to reconnect with her father result in silence and emotional distance. As she tries to aid him with farm duties, including the demanding labor of milking their cows, their efforts take a dark turn when they discover buried badger corpses during trench digging with James, the farm worker. This macabre revelation incites a surge of anger in Clover, leading her to suspect Aubrey’s involvement, only to be informed that it was actually Harry who buried them.

Aubrey’s denial regarding Harry’s suicide adds to Clover’s distress, as he clings to the belief that it was an accident. As she grapples with her father’s emotional turmoil, Clover uncovers the farm’s precarious financial situation, including Aubrey’s intention to sell half of their herd.

Amidst these troubles, the arrival of new life on the farm brings both joy and heartache. When a pregnant cow gives birth to a male calf, Aubrey insists that Clover must cull it immediately. The request weighs heavily on Clover, a vegetarian, yet she reluctantly follows her father’s directive.

While cleaning the home she shares with Aubrey, Clover stumbles upon cans of petrol in the kitchen. Later that evening, she invites James over to talk and inadvertently leads him into a dangerous situation with the flammable liquids. Fortunately, James intervenes, reminding her of the potential hazards.

Their conversation grows serious as James reveals the circumstances surrounding Harry’s death, detailing a fierce argument between Harry and Aubrey that occurred at a party. This insight portrays Harry as a man under tremendous pressure from their father to take on the farm responsibilities.

The following day, the arrival of Animal Health brings equipment to test the herd for tuberculosis, shocking Clover as she learns about the long-hidden illness among their cows. When she tries to discuss these new revelations with Aubrey, he responds defensively, blaming Clover for not standing by him during Harry’s challenges.

Their confrontation escalates to a breaking point, prompting Aubrey to throw Clover out of the mobile home. As she leaves, uncertainties flood her mind about ever healing their fractured relationship and helping her father face his grief.

On the morning of the funeral, a sober atmosphere envelops the farm. Aubrey’s self-medication has spiraled out of control, his prior decision to refrain from intervening now replaced by a desperate bid to numb his anguish. Unaware of her father’s deteriorating state, Clover feels a potent mix of sorrow and anger as she prepares for the difficult day ahead.

Just before she departs for the funeral, Clover senses something amiss and discovers the key to the gun cupboard is missing, raising alarms about Aubrey’s intentions. A single gunshot echoes across the fields, leading Clover to the disturbing sight of her father in chaos, tragically culling his own beloved herd. Aubrey’s urgent pleas for Clover to return to university reveal his overwhelming despair, and her inquiry, “You’re saying I should go?” resonates with the gravity of their situation.

In the midst of his breakdown, Aubrey collapses in tears on the muddy ground, the weight of his actions consuming him. As they finally embrace, it becomes painfully clear that for Aubrey, the path to healing lies in the catharsis of shared grief, with Clover’s unwavering compassion providing a glimmer of hope amidst their shared struggles.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 15:39