Despite what many reviewers say about this film, it is just very badly put together by writer/director Rob Burrows and in no way does it merit the high ratings it gets. The story is extremely simplistic and at the same time very unrealistic to the point of embarrassing. The scenes with the police and the 'landlord incident'and how Stephanie is treated is just amazingly inept and very badly enacted. I wish I had something positive to say about the whole thing but I haven't. The acting from most of the characters was dreadful (except Amy Ormston as Michaela)and the scenes of conflict did not grip and hold me. Rob Burrows attempt at making a realistic social drama falls flat on its face. It was obviously made on a small budget but this should not mean that the editing was as bad as it was. Check out the 'dissolves' in the wrong places at inappropriate times. As for the conclusion...judge for yourself - much, much less than mediocre. This movie is so low in quality, writing and realism that it could limbo under a closed door.
13 Reviews
waste of a good plot
onondaffy1 June 2016
This film appears to have lots of good reviews, which I feel are misleading. From the beginning the acting was wooden. The sobbing lacked tears and emotion. The violent scenes lacked aggression and seemed awkward. The characters were mostly one dimensional. The action jumped quickly from one scene to the next, spoiling the continuity and flow of the story. I wouldn't have watched the whole film, but I felt so strongly that I wanted to write a review so to be fair I watched it to the end. It did improve slightly. It feels like a movie made by students as a college project.The only believable performance was by the drunk girl Sophie. I didn't understand what the two scenes with children in had to do with the story.
Outstanding drama of England's underbelly.
stuart-824 March 2014
A gripping and well evolved plot. Very good performances, and a fresh take on Newcastle, in Northern England, showing a very seamy underbelly. Good direction, a convincing low budget success. The actresses, in particular the two Ormston girls, were very good in their roles, and while one can sense that the film was made on a limited budget, there is no sense of compromise or being hamstrung, as so often happens with low budget British movies that are sometimes painful and embarrassing to watch. The music is powerful and gives a contemporary feel. Well done, Burrows and team! I wonder what is coming next from Burrows. Does anybody know?
Should be renamed Embarrassing - What a Load of Nonsense!
thecriticopinion23 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Synposis: Still trying to work it out but think it has something to do with two friends helping each other.
This is another film by Writer/Director Rob Burrows, as well as appearing in it. Is is better than his first outing, absolutely not. It is just as bad if not worse. The sound isn't as good this time around; the editing is not good and the acting, don't even get me started. A lot of the times during the arguments they shout at each other badly and you cant understand a word they are talking about, more so evident in the club scenes. The scenes with the boxer in are pointless as well. The lack of use of lighting is evident. There are several actors from his first film that make an appearance but would have thought they'd learn their lesson.
After an hour and a half I am still trying to work out the plot, and point to this film. The best part was the end credits. It sounded like a decent song if it was processed properly and not sounding like a warbly distorted person.
What I am surprised is that it was nominated for awards, how? Unless it was for something like the raspberries for worst, acting, worst writing, editing, etc. cant see how people can like this.
After seeing this I don't want to see another of Burrows films, and I think he should quit while hes got the chance. I saw a couple of trailers for his other films, and really thinking why he bothers. He should get people who really know what they are doing to direct or edit his scripts, but hopefully he'll get the message and quit.
Another to go with Birdempic and The Room. Miss it and you'll be happy.
This is another film by Writer/Director Rob Burrows, as well as appearing in it. Is is better than his first outing, absolutely not. It is just as bad if not worse. The sound isn't as good this time around; the editing is not good and the acting, don't even get me started. A lot of the times during the arguments they shout at each other badly and you cant understand a word they are talking about, more so evident in the club scenes. The scenes with the boxer in are pointless as well. The lack of use of lighting is evident. There are several actors from his first film that make an appearance but would have thought they'd learn their lesson.
After an hour and a half I am still trying to work out the plot, and point to this film. The best part was the end credits. It sounded like a decent song if it was processed properly and not sounding like a warbly distorted person.
What I am surprised is that it was nominated for awards, how? Unless it was for something like the raspberries for worst, acting, worst writing, editing, etc. cant see how people can like this.
After seeing this I don't want to see another of Burrows films, and I think he should quit while hes got the chance. I saw a couple of trailers for his other films, and really thinking why he bothers. He should get people who really know what they are doing to direct or edit his scripts, but hopefully he'll get the message and quit.
Another to go with Birdempic and The Room. Miss it and you'll be happy.
Great Movie
lae9-852-22156023 November 2013
Well made and well acted drama with lows and highs in. It is not a blockbuster type movie but a drama with a good story but anyone viewing needs to be aware that it has adult themes and despite it's having been set to a nightlife backdrop it is not going to be well understood or well appreciated by a young audience. It is so not a teen film. For the mature audience that it has been addressed to it is a gem though. Really strong themes and strong performances that show how life's pressures can build up and take their toll. Some light hearted moments as well – it is not all down. The end is moving and don't let kids watch it as they would find it upsetting – in fact adults will as well. It is a British movie and although it makes no excuses for this and does not compromise people from the world over will identify with the story. The accents are there but understandable and all films have subtitles so if you get stuck just use them. In summary good, very good!
A moving and unique film with a wide appeal
nielsonvan30 June 2013
In essence, this film relates the lives of two women, one affected by and just coping with bereavement and the other with losses that result from the formers recovery. It is the epitome of emotion wrapped up in digital format, something a book cannot create. Books just don't have powerful music scores or the faces of great actors that make you know them. That is despite these people being 'just' actors. If they can act (as all of the actors do in this film so well) they make you part of their family for the time you are staring at the screen. I found it fascinating to see how the experiences of people in a different part of the world can have so much in common with so many everywhere. The appeal of this film is truly global. A flawless 10/10 movie. Highly recommended for a grown-up audience.
Brilliant Drama!
cath_zoe_hill23 November 2013
This film tells the story of two women and their struggle with depression, financial problems and bullying. These are demanding issues and it steps up to the plate in addressing them.I have to agree with the other reviewers in that this film demands a mature audience. It is certainly not a teen film and the subject matter is not superficial. It deals with some of the bad things that can happen while contrasting this with some very funny moments. It is what it says: A gritty drama. Don't expect anything else and watch it as background entertainment and it will pass over your head. Having said that it is an excellent drama with some compelling performances and deserves the stars I'm giving it.
It moved me
picard-gina28 June 2013
I guess there are a few people out there who can identify with what they go through in this movie. I can and it moved me, real life situations that just add up and suddenly things go crazy. It shows the lows and highs that life can throw. Entertaining and funny at times as well. I loved the ending, anyone who has seen it will know why. It gives hope and shows how things can work. The actors sure gave an Oscar like performance in this and the music, specially the song at the end was so good. Lovely story, characters that were strong and a lovely song! It's not for kids. It is strongly acted without going over the top. European films are often slow and a bit weird, this was paced well and the story was soon clear and it followed through well to the end.
Lovers and Enemies Battle and Love and Suffer
alankentgorg12 April 2014
What makes life worth living? What is true friendship? These questions explode out of this film.
Two female friends get way beyond money and material needs into some realm beyond what can be seen or heard. The characters seem moved by some force or forces from beyond somewhere.
In a haze of alcohol and night music, friends and lovers and enemies clash and battle and make love and descend into suffering, twisting your mind with their passion and pain. None of them will ever be free.
Good does not always win out, and sometimes there seems to be no good to be seen.
Two female friends get way beyond money and material needs into some realm beyond what can be seen or heard. The characters seem moved by some force or forces from beyond somewhere.
In a haze of alcohol and night music, friends and lovers and enemies clash and battle and make love and descend into suffering, twisting your mind with their passion and pain. None of them will ever be free.
Good does not always win out, and sometimes there seems to be no good to be seen.
Great drama!
jondaviesjr28 June 2013
This movie is uplifting and provocative - it inspires emotion and displays a sense of irony while all the time maintaining the integrity of the plot: While certainly not a comedy it depicts real world drama in a way that is sometimes just funny. The characters are believable and their characters are well portrayed, the acting is powerful. The ending is particularly moving and a friend who was watching it with me had to leave the room as it brought back traumatic memories for her, she returned to watching the closing moments and I was in tears myself. I won't go into it in detail or I will risk spoiling it. Movies don't normally don't have that effect on me! It just shows that this one has real punch to it. If you want all glamor and pap choose something else because this does not pull the punches and does so unashamedly. It is a real find and I'm glad I came across it. If you choose to watch it you should be able to as it has been widely released, I came across it on Amazon Movies.
A most worthwhile drama.
j401901127 September 2013
This is a strong drama. Plot, love triangles, gangsters, despair and funny moments. All set in the North East of England - somewhere we should see more of judging by this! I loved it. I enjoy drama that gets in touch with real life, shows how it sucks and yet put a few light moments in. This took me on a roller coaster of highs and lows and a few tears at the end. Don't get the wrong idea, it was uplifting and not all sad. It was well made and brilliantly acted. What surprised me as well was the music and especially the song at the end - Million Miles. If there are any deejays out there you want to get your ears switched on. The song deserves more airplay and the movie deserves to be much better known as it is miles better than many that I have seen before and why has no one released the music? Crazy!!
A fascinating drama
jblockbuster9 May 2014
A fascinating drama about two women and their friendship who's lives spiral out of control. This film is definitely not for the light hearted. This real world drama can take you on a roller coaster of emotions if you let it. I agree with the previous comments, that the film is for a mature audience, but if you like dramas with a dense plot, love triangles, and powerful emotions, I definitely recommend it. It also gives you a superb view into the nightlife of Newcastle and its underbelly. Technically the film is flawless, the acting and directing shows in no way that this film wasn't shot on a big budget. Truly a gem of British independent cinema.
Solid Drama
ranch70010 April 2014
This is a very solid drama that has a little of everything. One of the strongest things about this movie is the gradual change that shifts from one of the female leads to the other over the course of the movie. Some really great subtle changes along the way. Nice storytelling that tackles some serious subject matter in a legit way. This is certainly not a fluff piece that panders toward a fifteen year old demographic, which shows a lot of respect for it's viewers, in my opinion. Another nice thing about this movie is the fact that so much of the story and focus is upon two strong female characters. They both have strengths and weaknesses that are exemplified as the story moves along. Lots of movies nowadays use their female characters as fillers. Not the case here at all, which is refreshing.
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