In my view, Grímur Hákonarson’s original remains my preferred choice; however, that does not mean Sims’ version is any less skilful, and as remakes go, it’s one of the best you will find.
There is a risk in remaking any film that achieved critical acclaim; a risk further elevated when the movie in question won the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes in 2015. But now and again, a remake gets it right by honouring the original while equally offering a new, distinct voice. Directed by Jeremy Sims, Rams is one of those movies.
Colin (Sam Neill) and Les (Michael Caton) are brothers and sheep farmers living in separate houses on the same Western Australian farm. However, their lives together are far from idyllic; the Grimuson brothers haven’t spoken for years. Following a conflict, their lives are wrapped up in competition and jealousy as they rear Calvin Horn sheep, a breed not found anywhere else in the world – their only communication taking the form of handwritten messages delivered by their shared sheepdog. However, when Les’ prize-winning ram is diagnosed with Ovine Johne’s Disease, the brothers’ shared but separate lives are about to be turned upside down.
The pre-release advertising for Rams mistakenly suggests it is a knockabout comedy. However, in reality, Sims’ film is rooted in human drama, and, just like the Icelandic original, themes of isolation, masculinity, and communication sit at the heart of its message. Much of the success of Rams comes from Neill and Caton’s assured central performances and their nuanced take on family conflict, denial, and competition.
Of course, as with any remake, there will be those asking why; after all, the original covered similar ground and had identical meanings. In my view, Grímur Hákonarson’s original remains my preferred choice; however, that does not mean Sims’ version is any less skilful, and as remakes go, it’s one of the best you will find.
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