By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Simon Bird
Starring: Alice Lowe | Earl Cave | Elliot Speller-Gillott | Monica Dolan | Ony Uhiara | Rob Brydon | Tamsin Greig
Country: united_kingdom
Year: 2021
Running time: 86
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7343740/reference
Michael says: “This warm and funny coming-of-age film looks at a single mom and her teenaged son navigating an awkward summer trying to move forward together after a disappointment. When Daniel’s father disinvites his son from a trip to Florida with his new wife, all Daniel wants to do is stay in his room listening to Metallica and consider starting a heavy metal band. His mother, Sue, an introverted librarian, wants to reconnect with her son and rekindle the bond they had when he was younger. The film does a great job focusing on both characters and exploring that awkward time when adolescence threatens to shred the bond between parent and child. While Sue is focused on her son, she also decides to build her own life back to a place of forward movement, even trying to start dating again. Daniel struggles with isolation and loneliness, feeling cut off from life and lacking the ability to reengage. it’s a tender, well-written story, with original music by Belle & Sebastian, strong lead performances, and sweet look at an awkward summer. Interesting to note, Daniel is played by Nick Cave’s son, Earl. He’s the spitting image of his dad. 4 cats”
Chris says: “Apparently I’ve seen Monica Dolan in ten other films but this is the first time as a lead. She’s excellent (and Nick Cave’s son ain’t bad, either), even if this is little more than a likable trifle. 3 cats”
Jeff says: “I watched it a long time ago and don’t actually remember much specific about it, except that I still remember I had a good time. That’s reason enough.”