FILMS OF THE WEEK

                                        

TWO FILMS. ENDLESS IMPACT.

This week I watched two new films that I’d like to share with you. Films that are both now among my favourites. The direction, story, acting and craft behind both of these films is incredible and I urge you to watch them if you get the chance.

BABYTEETH: “When a seriously ill teenager falls for a small-time drug dealer, her parents disapprove. However, she soon finds a new lust for life from her blossoming romance.”

This film is utterly beautiful. Touching and heart breaking in equal measure. Extremely moving, with a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows sixteen year old Milla as she battles with cancer, all the while falling in love with Moses who she meets at a train station. Her overprotective parents disapprove, but he ends up being surprisingly good for her. The film follows their unexpected relationship as Milla’s illness progresses.
I was actually speechless after watching this film. It’s one of those films that won’t leave you for a while, you’ll find yourself thinking about it a lot. At least I did. I had no words to express the amount I was feeling afterwards.
I watched this on Amazon Prime, you may be able to watch it elsewhere to.

It’s a very emotional film, filled with moments of euphoria as well as pain. It’s the rawness and authenticity that I love, it’s extremely honest and unafraid to share the reality behind human connection alongside suffering. Their relationship is delicate and gentle which is very warming to watch. Milla is naïve, this is her first relationship and it’s beautiful to watch her awe of Moses. It becomes messy and complicated between them throughout which makes it all the more relatable, there are moments that are beautifully awkward. The script was written by Rita Kalnejais, perfection.

The direction doesn’t shy away from the imperfections of life and I love that chaos. Shannon Murphy’s direction is stunning, each scene begins with a little on screen title, breaking up the journey up into segments of feeling and action. It’s intimate and love that Murphy draws on that, even the moments of silence are filled with thought and feeling. It has huge depth and heart all the way through, the use of camera and lighting are to be credited to, captivating and intricate.

The performances are outstanding, natural and stripped back to the core of truth, you feel everything that they do, highs and lows. Milla and Moses and played by Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace, who give effortless performances when conveying rebellious broken youth. Eliza is equally charming and naïve, while Toby has the perfect balance of chaos and charisma. They are both troubled in different ways, desperately trying to navigate their way through life, which makes their bond even more special. It reminded me to treasure life and the people I love, that you’re loved no matter what you’re faced with and to enjoy and relish each moment. A very powerful film.

I watched it on Netflix, although it may be available on other streaming sites.

THE SOUND OF METAL: “A heavy-metal drummer's life is thrown into freefall when he begins to lose his hearing.”

It tells to story of Ruben (Riz Ahmed) who begins the film touring as the drummer in a metal band with his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke). When he begins to lose his hearing and a doctor informs him his condition will worsen, he thinks his life and career are over. As an ex-drug addict, Lou worries about his wellbeing and checks him into a rehab for the deaf, hoping it’ll prevent a relapse and help him adapt to his new life. After being welcomed and accepted as he is, the film is about Ruben deciding to accept his new way of life and self. We watch his journey through rehab and the work he has to do in order to come to terms with it all.

It’s directed by Darius Marder, who successfully picks up on every intricate detail to make this film what it is. The intricacy of sound that’s suddenly compared to the lack of when stripped away. It’s also extremely effective when the sound is used to share what Ruben is hearing, the muffled, stifled sound that’s used throughout assists the sharing of Ruben’s experience. The detail is absolutely incredible, and leaves you feeling every inch of emotion that Ruben does as the journey unfolds. You experience a whole host of feelings as Ruben goes through the stages of reaching acceptance. The shock, confusion, frustration, anger and pain, alongside the warmth, relief, strength and persistence.

It’s a film that explores the fragility of human existence. It makes you count your blessings and allows you to be grateful for what you have, who you are and allowing your imperfections not to define you. It’s a story of love, for others and self, acceptance and strength. It’s a powerful, yet sensitive exploration of a so called disability that challenges assumptions and perceptions about the loss of hearing.

Riz Ahmed’s performance is honestly flawless. One of the best I’ve seen on screen. Perfectly nuanced and detailed in every way. The depth of vulnerability he shares is admirable and it’s in letting himself explore that pain that allows the viewer to. It’s so honest it leaves you questioning if it’s actually happening before you. Often he doesn’t have to say anything to communicate what he’s feeling inside, he tells the story with his body and his eyes. It’s a very touching film. Olivia Cooke’s performance is equally raw and heart-warming, their love for each other is very moving to watch. Paul Raci’s performance is also worth mentioning, he plays the rehab leader Joe. He portrays a measured balance of being grounded, all the while coping with his own struggles. He’s a very likeable character, caring and calm, alongside the other characters at rehab, hearing impaired and perfectly honest, who add even more authenticity to the film.

It’s an extremely engaging film, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen and I felt every ounce of emotion throughout. Highly realistic, raw and moving from start to finish. Masterpiece.