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Calibre is a gritty, psychological thriller that follows two lifelong friends, Vaughn (Jack Lowden) and Marcus (Martin McCann), as they embark on a hunting trip in the Scottish Highlands. While both men are distinctly different in their personalities, they both share a deep-rooted friendship and bond. The film opens with Vaughn's wedding, where we get a glimpse of the strong relationship between him and his best friend Marcus. Vaughn is ecstatic to have Marcus by his side for the upcoming hunting trip, which promises to be a much-needed break from his mundane routine working at an architecture firm. Marcus, on the other hand, is a bit more reticent, a bit of a wild card, struggling to keep the personal demons he possesses at bay.

Once the two men venture into the Highlands, the scenery immediately shifts to a dark, foreboding forest, setting the tone for what is to come. The hunting trip starts off innocuously enough, with both Vaughn and Marcus settling into the rugged terrain and going about their business. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when the pair accidentally shoot a young boy while hunting. Panic sets in, and they decide to cover up the incident, ultimately leading to a downward spiral of events that threatens to destroy their lives and their friendship.

As the tension and stakes increase with each passing moment, the viewer is taken on a harrowing ride that forces them to confront what it truly means to be a friend, and the lengths one will go to protect oneself and those they care about.

The performances of the three main actors in Calibre are outstanding, with Lowden's portrayal of Vaughn achieving remarkable depth in his portrayal of a man struggling with the consequences of his actions. McCann's Marcus is a coiled spring of tension, a man whose inner demons manifest themselves in his every move. The film is also boosted by the presence of Tony Curran, who delivers a nuanced performance as the Highland community's mechanic, Sean.

What sets Calibre apart from other psychological thrillers is how it manages to sustain its tension throughout. From the opening shot until the closing credits, every moment feels like it is leading somewhere darker, somewhere more sinister. The viewer is left on edge, never knowing exactly what will happen next, but always sensing that something terrible is waiting around the corner.

Director Matt Palmer does an excellent job of capturing the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, juxtaposing their startling beauty with the brutality of the situation the two friends find themselves in. His direction is realistic, never losing sight of the human element at the heart of this story, a feat that adds to the film's gritty, grounded feel.

At its core, Calibre is a story about the cost of silence, and the consequences of our actions. It's a film that challenges the viewer, presenting them with uncomfortable questions about morality and friendship. It's not an easy ride, and it's certainly not a comfortable one, but it's a journey that is well worth taking for fans of psychological thrillers.

In conclusion, Calibre is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With strong performances, excellent direction, and a well-crafted script, it's a film that deserves to be seen by fans of the genre. It's a dark and often difficult watch, but it's one that lingers long after the credits roll.

Calibre is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 76.