Sean Durkin (and his editor) deserve credit for a simple yet effective technique that keeps the viewer engaged: They cut the scenes well before they lost any energy. The pacing is fantastic, with no overblown set-pieces either in the ring or within the family. Long takes with long silences have their place, but in this film the director always leaves you hungry for more.
As to the themes, so many of the mainstream reviews talk about, "Why did this happen to them? I wanted more explanation." One talked about the "toxic patriarchy." Slow down, and widen your perspective. The simple fact is that this is a Greek tragedy, where the hubris of the father brings down the sons. This kind of classical drama has been around for 2,000 years.
As to the themes, so many of the mainstream reviews talk about, "Why did this happen to them? I wanted more explanation." One talked about the "toxic patriarchy." Slow down, and widen your perspective. The simple fact is that this is a Greek tragedy, where the hubris of the father brings down the sons. This kind of classical drama has been around for 2,000 years.