Mid-life crises can always be the source of much hilarity (see American Beauty), and this Mock-umentary set in the glorious British countryside puts the fun in fundamental breakdown.
Four friends decide to embark on a coast-to-coast walk across Britain, hiking for hundreds of miles and stopping at some historic sites (mostly pubs where they get wankered most nights!). As the foursome get into mischief, squabbles, and some deep emotional revelations, the trip becomes far less about proving a point about middle-age, and more about discovering where they got lost and which path to take - metaphorically speaking.
Director James Rouse blends a quirky British comedy story with modern documentary style, and some classic sitcom-style lines to make a painfully funny and charming movie. Scenes of intimate, philosophical debate are juxtaposed with lads banter and childish pranks. The group themselves make for some varied viewing.
Gordon (Richard Lumsden), is the leader - a sanctimonious time-keeper, endeavouring to tackle this challenge with integrity, only to be brought down by his clownish pals.
Keith (Karl Theobald), a quieter type with a huge revelation in store which alters the mood of the journey dramatically.
Steve (Jeremy Swift), a teacher whose propensity for mood swings when he is hungry makes for some of the funniest moments. He is reminiscent of a Nick Frost character.
And Julian (Ned Dennehy), a well-spoken trickster and devourer of the finer things (in particular the works of Shakespeare), whose laid-back disregard for rules, political correctness, and life make him the most volatile British rambler since Sightseers.
Downhill is let down slightly by the documentary style, filmed by Gordon's son Luke (Ruper Simonian) who is barely allowed to talk in case he ruins the atmosphere of the documentary. The camera work starts off haphazard but does improve during the movie.
That being said, Rouse utilises a wonderful acoustic soundtrack, with music from Ben and Brodie Park, that compliments the breathtaking scenery, and adds pathos to the bittersweet story. Furthermore, his use of flashback imagery in the footage is a lovely touch, and even the charming little animations by Jake Lunt that separate the chapters are delightful.
Beautifully shot and wonderfully scripted, Downhill is one of the funniest films released this year.