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Both actors are excellent. Ortega's Johnno wears a permanent look of scepticism about the outrageous behaviour from everyone around him. Stubborn and intelligent, he finds the pressures of his life nearly unbearable. By contrast, Macdonald's Spanner is a freeform, over-exuberant guy who thinks rules are for idiots. They clearly didn't worry about their differences when they were younger, but now their ambitions head in opposite directions. The supporting cast give their characters terrific inner lives as well, adding textures to the movie and layers of meaning.

The film culminates in a vibrant explosion of colour, animation, film clips and pure, unbridled joy at the rave, a subculture the UK government is trying to suppress through legislation against public events involving repetitive beats. Intriguingly, the political background noise that runs through the film never locks the story in the past; it simply notes how government officials always get it wrong. And this movie reminds us that our messiest memories have a lot more to say about who we are than we might like them to.

themes, language, violence

25.Apr.19

With a nicely offhanded performance, MacKenzie brings a wry sense of humour to Jesse that prevents the character from turning maudlin. Jesse is so matter-of-fact about his plan that it's unnerving. This adds a remarkable charge to his interaction with Sarah. And Eichenberger brings the audience into the story with a combination of prickly emotion and earthy sensitivity. The supporting cast is a little uneven, as most of the adults overplay their roles, as does Walters as Jesse's main tormentor at school.

Where this goes is often overwhelmingly heartbreaking, especially as Rick's cruelty seems to know no bounds. As events spiral in increasingly frightening directions, in becomes clear that the filmmakers are pushing a message here, sometimes in a rather preachy and simplistic way. But their point is a strong one, reminding us that it's important to avoid wallowing in our own misery, especially when it so strongly affects the people around us.

themes, language, violence

9.May.19

Cummings is terrific in the role, making the most of his physicality in scenes that are often astonishingly difficult. Many sequences are shot in agonising long takes that seem to get worse and worse as they go along, but also reveal details that help the audience root for Jim against the odds. And his explosive emotions make him feel even more realistic, especially with hints about his childhood. The supporting cast all deliver often unnervingly grounded performances, realistic people surrounding this sad, clown-like nice guy.

The film's tone is so unusual that it's impossible to think of another movie like it. Cummings tells this story with a profound reservoir of feeling, making his pathetic protagonist into an almost heroic figure as he continually comes back from the brink. The final sequence is simply astonishing, taking Jim to a place far beyond what the audience expects. If it doesn't exasperate you, this film will leave you shaken and empowered. And also oddly bemused. Extraordinary.

themes, language, violence

1.May.19