Bull (2021)

Paul Andrew Williams’ Bull (2021) is a brutal British crime thriller that combines gangster drama with a touch of horror, creating a dark and unforgettable revenge story. At first glance, it feels like a standard tale of vengeance, but by the time the credits roll, the movie reveals itself to be far stranger and more sinister.

Detailed Summary

The Return of Bull

Bull (Neil Maskell), a feared former enforcer for a violent gang, mysteriously returns after being presumed dead for ten years. He comes back to his old town with a single purpose: vengeance. His targets are his former associates, including his ex-wife and father-in-law, who betrayed him in the past.

A Bloody Path of Revenge

One by one, Bull hunts down the gang members responsible for his downfall. The killings are ruthless and efficient, with Williams’ direction never shying away from brutality. Bull’s revenge seems motivated not only by personal hatred but also by something much darker—his obsession with reclaiming his son, Aiden.

A Father’s Obsession

Flashbacks reveal Bull’s tumultuous past: his toxic marriage, his relationship with his son, and his eventual betrayal. The film blurs the line between memory and nightmare, giving the audience glimpses of how his wife and her father orchestrated his disappearance.

Movie Ending

In the final act, Bull’s mission becomes clear: he wants his son back at all costs. After eliminating everyone who stood in his way, he finally confronts his ex-wife. What’s shocking is not just the brutal nature of his revenge but the revelation about his true state of being.

It is revealed that Bull actually died ten years ago—burned alive inside a caravan. His return is not that of a man but something supernatural. He is more like a revenant or demonic figure, fueled by vengeance and unstoppable by normal means. This revelation re-contextualizes his relentless violence throughout the movie.

The last scenes are chilling: Bull, with his mission complete, walks away. But instead of triumphant, the mood is unsettling, as if something truly unnatural has been unleashed. The film ends on an ambiguous but disturbing note, suggesting that Bull is not alive in any human sense—he’s a ghost of vengeance.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Bull does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the story concludes, the credits roll with no additional material. The bleak and shocking ending is meant to linger without distraction.

Type of Movie

Bull is a crime thriller with supernatural horror elements. While it starts like a gangster revenge movie, it ultimately reveals itself to be a haunting tale of resurrection and retribution.

Cast

• Neil Maskell as Bull
• David Hayman as Norm (Bull’s father-in-law and gang leader)
• Tamzin Outhwaite as Sharon (Bull’s ex-wife)
• Adam Xander Angelides as Aiden (Bull’s son)
• Kevin Harvey as Gary
• Jay Simpson as Beardy

Film Music and Composer

The score for Bull was composed by Ruth Barrett, known for her dark, atmospheric work in British television. The music heightens tension and dread, using low tones and eerie soundscapes to reinforce the film’s grim atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot in the UK, mainly around London and surrounding rural areas. The bleak suburban and countryside settings mirror the decay and hopelessness of Bull’s world. These locations ground the story in gritty realism before the supernatural twist reframes everything.

Awards and Nominations

While not a major awards contender, Bull received critical praise and some recognition in genre-focused festivals. Neil Maskell’s performance was particularly highlighted by critics, though the film remained more of a cult hit than a mainstream award-winner.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Paul Andrew Williams has described Bull as a mix of revenge thriller and ghost story.
• Neil Maskell’s performance was intentionally restrained to make Bull appear more inhuman and unsettling.
• The film was shot on a low budget, relying heavily on practical effects for its violence.
• Williams deliberately avoided excessive exposition, leaving audiences to piece together the supernatural twist.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by British gangster cinema (films like Get Carter and Dead Man’s Shoes).
• The supernatural element was influenced by folk horror and revenge mythology, especially ghostly revenants returning to punish the living.
• The character of Bull resembles archetypes from old English ghost stories: wronged men who rise from the grave for justice.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No officially released alternate endings exist, but interviews suggest Williams considered a more ambiguous finale, where Bull’s survival could still be interpreted as human. Ultimately, the supernatural twist was emphasized to set the film apart from standard crime dramas.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Bull is not based on a book. However, its structure and themes echo classic revenge tragedies and horror literature.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Bull’s first appearance, casually killing an old associate with shocking coldness.
• The carnival ride flashback, contrasting family innocence with looming tragedy.
• The final confrontation with Sharon, where Bull’s undead nature is revealed.

Iconic Quotes

• Bull: “You thought you could burn me out. But I’m still here.”
• Norm: “He’s not a man anymore. He’s something else.”
• Sharon: “You should’ve stayed dead.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film contains visual clues about Bull’s death early on: burn scars on his body and subtle hints in dialogue.
• Religious imagery is scattered throughout—crosses, churchyards—hinting at Bull’s unnatural return.
• Aiden’s innocence contrasts with Bull’s monstrous vengeance, symbolizing a cycle of sin and redemption.

Trivia

• Neil Maskell had previously worked in Kill List (2011), another British film blending crime and horror.
• Paul Andrew Williams initially wanted to make a straightforward revenge thriller but later decided to add the supernatural twist.
• The film’s short runtime (88 minutes) was intentional to keep the pace tight and relentless.

Why Watch?

Watch Bull if you want a gritty revenge story with a shocking supernatural edge. It’s violent, raw, and unsettling, but also unique in how it blends crime drama with ghostly horror. If you thought it was just another gangster movie, the ending will haunt you long after.

Director’s Other Movies

• London to Brighton (2006)
• Song for Marion (2012)
• Cherry Tree Lane (2010)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Dead Man’s Shoes (2004)
• Kill List (2011)
• Get Carter (1971)
• Blue Ruin (2013)
• You Were Never Really Here (2017)