Typical little UK working class feature that doesn't go down the Ken Loach route of Broken Britain!
In a brief nutshell it follows a teen girl, Leigh. (Frankie Box) A teen girl with bullying issues and a single parent, pretty lousy dad (her mother died a year or so ago).
She is in a gymnast class, pretty talented. However she has confidence issues with her unsupportive parent. Lack of money for subs and costume leads to bullying issues.
One day she arrives home and is met by a complete stranger who it transpires is her unknown step brother Joe (Alfie Deegan). A Jack the lad type who Leigh's dad, patented and pretty much neglected.
Leigh and Joe are similar ages. Joe a little older, a trainee joiner who is into motorbikes and partakes in petty crime such as stealing petrol and said bikes.
Leigh forms a bond with Joe as the film develops. Perhaps because of her lonely, bullied lifestyle? At one brief point, and I say very brief, incestual and not explored any further.
Leigh is sucked into Joe's petty criminal lifestyle, albeit briefly as the film develops but her genuine interest gymnastics wins the day.
These small, independent, gritty, British films showcase young, developing acting talent. In this case both the leads are in their first feature film.
Plot summary
14-year-old Leigh (impressive newcomer Frankie Box) lives with her neglectful father on the outskirts of Brighton. She's a talented gymnast, training hard for her first competition despite her lack of confidence, some bitchy fellow gymnasts and little money to pay for her fees. When an older half-brother appears at her house one night, Leigh's lonely existence is altered. Mistrust gradually transforms into exciting new feelings as Leigh receives the attention she craves. But she is also exposed to the thrill and danger of moped crime. Debut director Eva Riley delivers an assured and spirited coming-of-age story that explores with heartfelt sensitivity a sibling relationship. A keen visual style and lively soundtrack complete this portrait of willful yet sensitive teenage-hood.
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Well acted little UK film. Veers away from the usual Broken Britain arc.
Not at all bad for £50k.
Neither Frankie Box ("Leigh") nor Alfie Deegan ("Joe") know anything about each other when they are thrust together by their useless, selfish, father. Despite initial hostility, they start to bond a bit. She is an aspiring gymnast, 14, with all of the insecurities that involves; he a slightly older more outwardly, at least, confidant lad who hangs about with some petty druggies/bike thieves for whom she starts to develop a bit of crush. Their performances are engaging - Box is actually not a bad gymnast - but sadly the writing is pretty lacklustre; the dialogue is minimalist and offers little to help the two develop any depth to their characters or relationship. It is well put together, though, and I'd watch out for Frankie Box in the future - she has an authenticity about her.
Subtle and real and beautiful
Just watched this film which completely enthralled me - the acting was so touching and brutally real - the story was unexpected and really tender and the cinematography and music was just so on the button - my first review -I signed up to IMDB just to review this - I just wanted to tell the world that I thought this was a fabulous film.