The Other Half

Couldn't shake the feeling of having felt like I'd wasted an hour and 45 minutes of my life. The only thing I could give it was that I did want to see what happens at the end but I don't think that was necessarily the film more that I don't like not seeing things through. I found the film weak with poor execution of building suspense. Could have been great with the topic and storyline but just found it flat and boring.

I Found things in this movie that I have experienced myself. I actually found it rather captivating. Unfortunately for some reviewers Arnold Schwarzenegger didn't pop in for a cameo with a sub machine gun and kill the hostiles, but hey! Movies don't please everyone.

I don't think this was meant to be a box office hit, but anyone that has been involved in a remotely similar situation, whether or not it is extended family, immediates or close friends can understand the meaning behind it. It is not trying to sell 15 million tickets on the first night of release, it is film, and it is trying to explain a situation, an issue in society.

Casting was *excellent*. Subject matter *very* interesting.

Script, dialogue & directing - only so-so, maybe even worse: post-production dubbing in dialogue when actors' mouths not even moving? - Just plain cheap & bizarre.

Storyline - WAY too deficient.

See it for the acting, nothing more.

Nickie Bellow (Tom Cullen) is a volatile drunk. He works as a cab driver and waiter in Toronto. Five years earlier, he suffered a devastating loss back home in the UK. He gets into a confrontation with a customer and saved by Emily (Tatiana Maslany). She seems to be a happy soul and they start a loving relationship. Her mental illness surfaces and they struggle to deal with their troubles.

I only watched this for Tatiana. There isn't much here other than good work from the two leads. It's nowhere near enough. The drama isn't there. The filming is indie with some experimental lite. It's not compelling enough other than the skilled cast. They try their best but the material is thin.

Face it. Not everything is pretty pictures. This is a difficult story - but one that deserves watching. The feel is gritty. The story is told in it's own time. You won't find a Hollywood tale here. The portrayal of life outside of the frames of the pretty happy, works of Emily is engrossing. Don't look for something simple here.