War tends to find its way in movies the way a car chase, love triangle or training sequence does, as a backdrop for introspection (“Apocalypse Now”) or absurdity (“Battleship”).  “71,” directed by Yann Demange, which screened at the New York Film Festival, does not concern itself with the impossibility of unraveling the politics behind violence, nor does it implant an over-the-top action sequence, but uses the Northern Ireland conflict of the late 60’s and early 70’s as context, not base.

The Catholic/ Protestant, or even English/ Irish conflict is not covered in detail which allows the film to construct its own sensibility: a netherworld where an English soldier sent to Belfast, Gary Hook (Jack O’Connell), must find trust and a way back. Houses are not homes, but bunkers for families hiding guns and trying to keep children safe.  Bombs are the weapons of choice and children are the only ones with answers, creating a sci-fi texture to the film.

The film centers itself around the emotional context of war (as an abyss not just of death) but of trust—who values my life? No one.  Yet Demange does not attempt to make an affected statement about war and focuses on the grey of the conflict with Gary as his sharp, contrasting center.  As Gary slowly emerges through the desolate streets of Belfast he is greeted by a boy (Corey McKinley) who seems to be his only salvation.  The boy struts, demanding respect as he cusses out his fellow “comrades” in a scene that could be strait out of “Blade Runner.”

During the Q&A after the film, Demange recalled not wanting McKinley to rehearse too much, he didn’t want an actor, but a real boy who in such a setting needs an armor of bravado to stay alive.  McKinley, who Demange found at a boxing ring (he’s 9), preferred boxing to rehearsing in between scenes, and it paid off.  Besides O’Connell McKinley is the most memorable actor in the film.  O’Connell, who made a mark with “This is England” and the series “Skins,” recently burst into films consciousness with the prison drama “Starred Up” and is about to find himself in epic American waters with Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut “Unbroken.”  At only twenty-four years old O’Connell has managed to create a provoking and mature persona.  With a gruff low voice and edgy exterior, O’Connell brings a swagger which is unparalleled as almost every scene belongs to him, and the film works because of his ability.

“71” is still making the festival rounds and does not yet have a U.S. release date, but will be released in the U.K. on October 10^th.