Rating: M
Running Time: 97 minutes
Release Date: currently now showing
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In this coming of age film set in 1970’s Wales, geeky fifteen year old Oliver (Craig Roberts) dreams of improving his social status by dating his classmate, the slightly more popular Jordana (Yasmin Paige).
Against his own principles he bullies the “fat girl” in order to impress Jordana and to his surprise it works. He sets out to be the best boyfriend ever however at the same time his parents, Lloyd (Noah Taylor) and Jill (Sally Hawkins) begin having marital problems, which oddly enough Oliver discovers through spying on them.
In order to help them, he increases his surveillance and discovers their new neighbour and mystic healer Graham (Paddy Constantine) is also his mother’s old flame. Oliver concerned that they might be having an affair confronts his depressive and apathetic father to no avail. Torn between the love for his family and for his girl he has to decide his priorities.
Director and writer Richard Ayoade (IT Crowd) in his debut feature does an amazing job of recreating those awkward schoolyard teen experiences.
From the bullying to the first clumsy kiss and Oliver’s fantasies about being universally liked, we can all identify with the angst, joy and despair during this difficult period.
Based on the bestselling novel by Joe Dunthorpe, the screenplay by Ayoade is entertaining, endearing, and reflective. Beautifully shot with voiceovers by Oliver used with great effect such as when he narrates his own imagined funeral and those clichéd movie romances.
This is no ordinary coming of age film, the dialogue is witty and beautifully delivered by all the cast especially Roberts and Paige. Don’t miss the cameo appearance in a television show by producer Ben Stiller.
4 / 5 stars
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