Douglas “Arm” Armstrong (Cosmo Jarvis) is a feared enforcer for the Devers crime family whilst struggling to be a good father to his son Jack (Kiljan Moroney). When he is asked to kill for the first time his loyalties between those two roles are tested. 

There are two key statements about loyalty made during this understated, but powerful film. The first is from Douglas when he tells us that the Devers family consider loyalty more important than blood. The second is when Douglas estranged girlfriend Ursula, played by the excellent Niamh Algar tells him that he is mistaking loyalty for servitude. And it is this fight happening in Douglas mind that dominates the film. 

Douglas is a gentle giant. An ex-boxer who accidentally killed an opponent when he was a young man who is now being exploited as a heavy. Cosmo Jarvis portrayal here is incredibly moving as we see him struggle with his feelings for his girlfriend, his son and his supposed best friend Dympna Devers (Barry Keoghan). Dympna of course is no such thing and simply manipulates Douglas to do his bidding. 

The film takes its title from the therapy sessions that Douglas autistic son Jack takes where animal therapy keeps him calm. But tellingly we also see the horses helping Douglas centre himself as well. Could Douglas find a way out of the mess he has found himself in? 

Debut director Nick Rowland delivers an accomplished film with assured performances and beautiful cinematography. Well worth your time.