Anonymous takes the viewer into an AA meeting, where the participants meet to offer each other support. One by one they reveal their inner struggles and traumas that have led them to addiction, however a new member brings something new to the meeting. Mackay's offering is a great psychological drama which will keep you glued to the screen.
15 Reviews
Great production quality
jennifer-379057 November 2021
Well shot and lit film, amazing to hear it was made on a tight budget in a week during lockdown. Interweaving character stories around the topic of addiction are well cast and acted. Mysterious protagonist leads us through the sensitive material.
Powerful Performances & message of hope
sobrietyfilmsuk8 November 2021
At a time when lots of people are struggling with their drinking, Anonymous paints a fairly accurate depiction of a 12 step meeting where the characters are able reveal their inner struggles and traumas that have led them to addiction. With some powerful and skilful performances and acutely observed script writing, the film shows that with acceptance and group strength there is hope in recovery by sharing.
Essential Viewing
greg-9182322 December 2021
This is a grisly subject and so a film dealing with will be grisly. Not for Christmas fun, but essential viewing for anyone who may know someone with addiction and wish to understand them.
This is not the place to be judgemental, as we see this could easily happen (maybe is happening) to any one of us. We're shown pleasant characters who have a demon, even when we see this demon we see it's engrained further into these people than we imagined.
The 'silent protagonist' as a metaphor for the silent, attractive, feeling of 'right' that is addiction is genius and powerfully portrayed.
An uncomfortable viewing, but essential nonethless (how many continue to watch Seaspiracy etc!) It's something about which we all benefit from being better informed.
This is not the place to be judgemental, as we see this could easily happen (maybe is happening) to any one of us. We're shown pleasant characters who have a demon, even when we see this demon we see it's engrained further into these people than we imagined.
The 'silent protagonist' as a metaphor for the silent, attractive, feeling of 'right' that is addiction is genius and powerfully portrayed.
An uncomfortable viewing, but essential nonethless (how many continue to watch Seaspiracy etc!) It's something about which we all benefit from being better informed.
Slow but engaging
des-5007124 December 2021
From the opening sequence Anonymous shows thats it is not a film that allows you to sit back and be entertained at break-neck speed, but rather a work that requires your attention and engagement.
Anonymous deals with tough issues in a way that is neither judgemental nor sentimental. Instead, it shows us as we all are at times; frail.
To say it was made on a shoestring is an understatement. And how it was made in a couple of weeks in the lockdown shows a steely determination from all involved. An intriuging atmosphere is slowly built up and its the portayal of flawed but real characters, within a minimal setting that allows the story to unfold slowly and purposefully. With the Man, was there a nod to Albert Camus' La Peste (The Plague)?
Winner of the 2021 The East Europe International Film Festival.
Anonymous deals with tough issues in a way that is neither judgemental nor sentimental. Instead, it shows us as we all are at times; frail.
To say it was made on a shoestring is an understatement. And how it was made in a couple of weeks in the lockdown shows a steely determination from all involved. An intriuging atmosphere is slowly built up and its the portayal of flawed but real characters, within a minimal setting that allows the story to unfold slowly and purposefully. With the Man, was there a nod to Albert Camus' La Peste (The Plague)?
Winner of the 2021 The East Europe International Film Festival.
Who's that Guy?
gin_gin-8473521 December 2021
Loved Anonymous!!! A beautiful and somewhat eerie glimpse into the AA world. The movie really delves deep into the why behind addiction, while still leaving room for more questions. Addiction is a really important issue and I love that AA immediately disarms the power of anonymity by acknowledging each attendee with their name. My favourite character is Liv!!!
Loved the silent protagonist!
jenwaterfield6 November 2021
90mins in real time with the most amazing of characters. I was transfixed the whole time and felt such empathy with each one of them by the end! I won't forget this film quickly and it has caused me to reflect on addiction in a new way.
Boring and slow
FrenchConnect20 December 2021
What a huge disappointment. I understand what the film tried to achieve but the execution was poor. Nothing really happens. The only good thing is the music and sound design.
Pacing is just way off. Not many people will make it through the first 10 mins. The topic of addiction has been done so many times before, nothing is new here.
Pacing is just way off. Not many people will make it through the first 10 mins. The topic of addiction has been done so many times before, nothing is new here.
Addictive
kyg_jabez-4955321 December 2021
Although the pace of the film felt slow, this was replaced and recognised as a necessity.
The intenseness and variety of addictions required the watcher to take time to absorb the content and power of the different addictions and the energy to overcome the addictions.
The lead actor at first seemed 'what the' his portrayal of his addiction which is never stated but could well be a greater movie trailer for an Agatha Christie thriller kept you in your toes.
The interaction between the characters was intense and almost violating as you were challenged by the dark side of life. There are people who are not as perfect as us and if we are honest many of us are just as addicted and just as powerless to break out of that which we allow to control us.
I find the script, camera angles and all the behind the scene stuff to add to the violation in my perfectness to challenge me.
This film is not just another 'mental health' doco but a tool and resource to show what is happening behind the facade that is projected to the world by all of us. Let's be as real as this film is.
Thank you Alasdair for challenging my sensibilities to the point of being scared and needing to deal with my own addictions.
The intenseness and variety of addictions required the watcher to take time to absorb the content and power of the different addictions and the energy to overcome the addictions.
The lead actor at first seemed 'what the' his portrayal of his addiction which is never stated but could well be a greater movie trailer for an Agatha Christie thriller kept you in your toes.
The interaction between the characters was intense and almost violating as you were challenged by the dark side of life. There are people who are not as perfect as us and if we are honest many of us are just as addicted and just as powerless to break out of that which we allow to control us.
I find the script, camera angles and all the behind the scene stuff to add to the violation in my perfectness to challenge me.
This film is not just another 'mental health' doco but a tool and resource to show what is happening behind the facade that is projected to the world by all of us. Let's be as real as this film is.
Thank you Alasdair for challenging my sensibilities to the point of being scared and needing to deal with my own addictions.
Don't waste your time
Ibios21 December 2021
Wow where to begin..everything about this movie is horrible, I suffered for over an hour through this drivel in the hopes the lead actor would say something and make the film worth watching, however all he did was drag an already drowning film under.
Great acting and directing
management-0638022 December 2021
It was very intense and kept you interested and hooked. Great acting by all, especially Karenina. Would recommend to others. There was loads of emotion and the director really held you in the palm of his hand right the way through. It was thought provoking and touched a nerve.
Amazing, hard hitting film
mariacarlucci-210677 November 2021
Absolutely loved this movie, really made you stop and think about how addiction can effect so many different lives. Each character had their own unique story which was played out really well. What can I say, brilliant story line and amazing acting! Definitely recommend, a must see!
Badly constructed
JonKKK26 December 2021
A powerful message that trusts the viewer
rebeccamhaining18 December 2021
I love films that don't give everything away and let the viewer make up their own mind. The cinematography and use of music tell you where to look and what to pay attention to. They convey a powerful message without uttering a single word.
A beautifully produced piece with exceptional performances; real and raw.
A beautifully produced piece with exceptional performances; real and raw.
A slow burn but worth the wait!
kareninangelique10 February 2022
Had the privilege of watching this as part of the East European Film Festival (Congrats to the team on winning Best Film!) and it was an incredible film technically all round. To hear from the director's interview in one of the sessions that it was made for under £18K and to achieve this, I was blown away! The performances by the actors are intense, the cinematography is stunning and the music is haunting.
A blockbuster, this is not, but a thinker it is for sure. Come for the paradigm shift, stay for the lesson in great film making!
A blockbuster, this is not, but a thinker it is for sure. Come for the paradigm shift, stay for the lesson in great film making!
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