Midlands Review of Shape Refine

midlandsmovies • March 20, 2021
Shape, Refine

Directed by Dean Harris

2021

Saddle up for a new documentary from Midlands director Dean Harris whose new film follows woodcarver Pete Rix, a man who left behind his design career for something altogether much calmer and fulfilling.

With years of enjoying woodwork as a hobby, Pete Rix took the leap into a new full-time labour of love meticulously making rocking horses. Using traditional methods in his workshop Pete explains he enjoys “making things with my hands” and stresses the importance of moving away from the computer in these times.

In a pandemic world where Zoom calls and webinars have become the norm, it’s great to be reminded of the physicality of manual work and the joy it can eventually bring to families. And the film highlights these attributes well.

His passion also comes across with a keenness to make something that lasts through time. And the documentary delivers a tender portrait of the techniques and traditional hand-crafted work that goes into creating these life-like fillies. 

In a number of talking head interviews, the considerate designer explains that his creativity is enhanced by the knowledge that further creativity comes from children’s imaginations who enjoy the end result.

From carving and sanding, the playthings are brought to life and Rix shares a sculpture of his dog’s head which is as realistic as anything you’re likely to see on an historical marble statue.

With insight into the little-known aspects of the processes Pete uses, the documentary explains how the horses are created from start to finish and the painstaking efforts it takes to finally finish them.

Although it doesn’t throw anything truly new into the documentary format, director Dean Harris takes you along for a gentle and satisfying ride with this fascinating portrait. And “Shape, Refine” ends by showing the filmmaker can also sculpt his own skilful short by providing a measured look at a lost art.

Michael Sales
By midlandsmovies April 4, 2025
Molina is a new sci-fi drama short from Leicester filmmaker Richard Chambers which explores the ramifications of mind-altering technology amid tense human relationships.
By midlandsmovies April 4, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day Massacre is the latest b-movie horror from Midlands director Steve Lawson who once again delves into the past to provide new spins on established stories and lore. And this time he uses St. Patrick’s Day as a jumping off point to create a tale of historic horror encroaching on the modern day.
By midlandsmovies April 2, 2025
Leicester Square didn’t host one particular UK premiere back in the 90s - but the city of Leicester in the Midlands sure as hell did. Holy cinema, Batman!
By midlandsmovies March 22, 2025
I’ve mentioned this before in reviews for Midlands Movies; reviewing low budget, independently made films requires a change in mindset. There’s a level of compromise, with allowances made for the odd rough-around-the-edges performance or some shaky effects work.
Show More
Share by: