It's not often that a directing debut can change the game of the film industry. Recent examples in the horror genre particularly are Ari Aster with 'Hereditary', Robert Eggers' 'The Witch' and Jordan Peele's 'Get Out'.
For this new release, it is Charlotte Wells offering us what she has to offer. It's clear that this story is coming from a personal memory as it covers themes of how we remember our childhood and the holidays during that time.
The late 90's time period was making this very relatable as I was around the same age as one of the lead characters. On the surface, it looks like not much if anything at all is happening. But it's the subtle nuances in the performances and stylish directing that makes this work and effect you emotionally. The coming-of-age of one character clashing with the mental struggles of another made for a very engaging on-screen partnership.
That is thanks to Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio. Their chemistry together was subtle and incredibly authentic that will remind you of those slightly rubbish childhood holidays. While Mescal is the one driving this, it's Corio's performance that is the more astonishing considering she has never acted before. I'm not sure how Wells and her casting team managed to discover a non-actor like her and feel she was the one. There was a striking presence that made her instantly engaging and that natural innocence worked really well. I hope this isn't a one and done for Corio.
The design is surprisingly atmospheric. From the naturally messy hand-held camera footage to the eerie use of sound, this gave the film an unexpected and effective extra dimension.
For me personally, this was a film I was appreciating more than loving. I was moved by it up to a point. But I think the narrative wasn't as emotionally impactful for me compared to similar dramas. However, I was a fan of Well's directing. It felt refreshing, tested my senses and worked for the themes it was covering.
This was a very moving and intimate portrait of coming-of-age, loneliness and mental health.
It's not for everyone as it's slow in its development, unconventional in its narrative and style and will seem unclear. But there is certainly an audience that will love this. Wells' direction is confident, has clear purpose and that of an auteur. It's rare to find directing talent that goes against the grain and gets this much backing. I hope this is the start of a long and successful career for this new filmmaker on the scene.
Rating: 7/10
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