Martell grounds Paul with a thoughtful performance, revealing inner feelings alongside his charming, boyish physicality. And yes, he does sometimes look like an adorable puppy. His chemistry with Giannamore's emotive Aristiana is powerful, as both underplay what sets them apart, adding a universality to the themes. Other characters are broader, from Turturro's Stromboli-style predator to Hewson's flame-haired party girl, who initiates a perhaps too-jolly crime spree. Later, Sevigny and Henderson bring a warmly unexpected kick.

The script works perhaps a bit too hard to generate unnecessary tension, as Paul is pursued by Denny, Mr Silk and a tenacious cop (Wilson). The story is much stronger in its dramatically resonant moments, focussing on the youthful protagonists' perspective without getting bogged down in grown-up logic. In this sense, the film is a clever exploration of kids struggling to be who they are when the world says they need to change. So deciding to live openly as themselves is an inspiring act of courage

themes, language, violence

26.Oct.20

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