PROJECTS : THE CULL : SYNOPSIS

The Cull is a tense, psychological drama that centres on the blind determination of a father [Paddy, 37], who persists with his traditional values regardless of the effect it has on his only son [William, 14, sickly].

Set on an isolated farm in the 1920's, Paddy believes that it's only a matter of time before William puts aside his acute interest in music, and overcomes his asthmatic disability, to settle down to a lifetime working the farm. With the initial support of Mary, his doting wife, Paddy is convinced that William will adopt the values handed down from generations.

But when Paddy learns that his estranged brother, who fled the farm in favour of a life in the city, has been writing to William, Paddy's plans are threatened. Fearing that such contact would only entice William away from the farm, Paddy embarks on a series of activities that push William out of his comfort zone, hoping that concentrated 'real mans' work will help William to forget his dreams.

However, concerned that his actions are having little effect on William, Paddy steps up the dogma and, with the stakes becoming ever-raised, Paddy soon finds himself pushing William to breaking point.

Having lost the support of Mary, Paddy makes a desperate last ditch attempt to change William's sensibilities, once and for all. In a final, horrific, tortuous act, Paddy forces William over the edge, with devastating consequences.