Let's just start by saying that Pin Cushion isn't a happy movie. You won't have a good feeling after watching it. Or you must be a bully yourself and you have no clue what for a lowlife you are yourself. The story is about bullying, about not fitting in. There is the bullying of a young innocent girl that does her best trying to fit in, and there is the bullying by adults towards a woman that looks differently. The acting is good as well as the filming. The story is worth watching, but just don't expect some kind of justice or feelgood moment as it is a sad movie.
19 Reviews
A hidden gem
michael-kerrigan-526-12497420 October 2018
Pin Cushion. For a change I'd not read any reviews. Didn't even know it was British. All I knew was that it was about a relationship about a mother and daughter. I didn't know it would be an intensely bleak tragi-comedy / psychological thriller / dark social realist drama with fantastical overtures. A jaw droppingly intense study of the effects of loneliness and bullying. It was Carrie without the supernatural but with the girl with long red hair and strange mother. I was an emotional wreck at the end. 8.5 out of ten. Highly recommended.
The White Crow
Shadowplayed5 December 2018
This is a sad film.
A loner, disabled mom and her daughter move to a new town for a fresh start, but they are just too weird and don't fit in.
Depressed, low self-esteemed mom is just heartbreaking to watch unravel.
The teen daughter tries to fit in, to no avail. It seems as these desperate attempts at socializing just don't work. As if when you're stigmatized the stigma lasts forever.
Even the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't ease the pain and sadness of a tragedy that came before.
A well made indie film that leaves the bitter taste, as much as you want to look into a brighter future with a cautious smile.
Damn, this one ruined my night.
One depressing watch.
sarcasm_for_free15 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
With the exception of the last few minutes, this film is a never-ending pantheon of bad stuff happening to this poor girl and her slightly physically deformed mother. At first I thought it one going to be one of those 'quirky' flicks about a pair of oddballs triumphing against the odds, but it definitely isn't that.
The acting is pretty stellar across the board, from our much put-upon protagonists to the slight stereotypical roles of the school bullies who give the girl a hard time and the snooty women in town who refuse to accept her mum. At times, it can seem slightly cartoonish in the over-the-top appalling way both are treated... surely not everyone where they live can be this bad, even if they do act and look a bit different from the norm.
It might've helped the script to have a few more sympathetic characters to root for... and no, I'm not talking about the 'nice' friend who's family adopt the girl at the end after a 'shock' suicide. Just because she didn't take part in a lot of the physical and mental abuse, it doesn't mean this 'friend' is much better than the main pair who picked on the girl. Bystander syndrome, anyone?
Anyway, for what it is, the movie is well worth watching for the great performances and unpredictable plot alone, but in terms of realism and depth it does lag a bit in both departments. Recommended, but with minor reservations. 6/10
The acting is pretty stellar across the board, from our much put-upon protagonists to the slight stereotypical roles of the school bullies who give the girl a hard time and the snooty women in town who refuse to accept her mum. At times, it can seem slightly cartoonish in the over-the-top appalling way both are treated... surely not everyone where they live can be this bad, even if they do act and look a bit different from the norm.
It might've helped the script to have a few more sympathetic characters to root for... and no, I'm not talking about the 'nice' friend who's family adopt the girl at the end after a 'shock' suicide. Just because she didn't take part in a lot of the physical and mental abuse, it doesn't mean this 'friend' is much better than the main pair who picked on the girl. Bystander syndrome, anyone?
Anyway, for what it is, the movie is well worth watching for the great performances and unpredictable plot alone, but in terms of realism and depth it does lag a bit in both departments. Recommended, but with minor reservations. 6/10
Well done, if a little slow
scottyholroyd13 February 2019
I think this was a well made, well crafted movie by people who really cared about the subject and the project as a whole. And it's a very much needed story about bullying and friendship between a young woman and her mother.
It can be a little slow, and I usually love slow movies, for my liking, and sometimes is a little tedious, but on the whole it's a good watch. First movies are never easy though, so i'll give them a break. Think 6 is a pretty decent score which reflects the flaws as well as the good points.
It can be a little slow, and I usually love slow movies, for my liking, and sometimes is a little tedious, but on the whole it's a good watch. First movies are never easy though, so i'll give them a break. Think 6 is a pretty decent score which reflects the flaws as well as the good points.
British version of Carrie
Retoucherryan20 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If you haven't watched Carrie then this is absolutely made for you. It is tailored to UK audience more than global- as opposed to Carrie.
But I'm afraid it doesn't bring much else to the table, it is not more than Carrie.
A genuinely unexpected pivotal scene near the end is as refreshing as it is shocking - for all of this, the film never becomes a misery fest and is very enjoyable.
A genuinely unexpected pivotal scene near the end is as refreshing as it is shocking - for all of this, the film never becomes a misery fest and is very enjoyable.
Thought provoking and beautiful
sarahcalothis4 October 2018
There is no denying the power of this film. In the current arena of homogenized movies written to formula this film is a welcome hard hitting and thought provoking exception. A dreamy fairy tale quality keeps is floating above it's very dark and disturbing topic. At the beginning there are places to smile in the quirkiness of the characters and their lives but it is not long before you are taken with them on their emotional journey until the finale surprising and shocking conclusion. It is a film that will stay with me and I eagerly await more by this screen play writer and director
This would have made a better short film.
rookyard11 October 2018
Pros
The film was shot on a small budget through the dedication of the team. It was shot in the writers local community. I even recognized some of the places myself (although not the bus shelter). Some of the cinematography really sets the tone of the scenes and is a high point in my opinion. The overall story is the stand out of the film (however I did leave the cinema feeling almost like I'd read a very long book of the story).
Cons The story seemed to lack clarity. The acting was adequate but (perhaps because of the character personalities) the dialog seemed sterile and unreal. For a gritty drama (as this should have been) it all seemed a little bit fake and unengaging to me. I think that with a compression of the story and a couple of good reworks of the script. The actors would have had something to get their teeth into. It seemed very long for the story that was told. In my opinion this would have then made a much better short film.
Cons The story seemed to lack clarity. The acting was adequate but (perhaps because of the character personalities) the dialog seemed sterile and unreal. For a gritty drama (as this should have been) it all seemed a little bit fake and unengaging to me. I think that with a compression of the story and a couple of good reworks of the script. The actors would have had something to get their teeth into. It seemed very long for the story that was told. In my opinion this would have then made a much better short film.
First full length feature for a new writer/director Deborah Haywood.
lesgrice19 August 2018
A true life fairy tale that explores what so many people experience, the odd couple in a new town wanting desperately to make friends and become accepted, but find themselves lured by the wicked side of those around them to do things they think they must do and the consequences that human beings can lead others into when they enjoy making them unhappy rather than choosing love and the unhappiness and and truths that this brings home. Remarkable debut for someone who had never directed on this scale before and a thought provoking movie everyone should see, especially parents and schoolchildren.
A very boring and uneventful film
latinfineart24 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I just did not get this film. Maybe I needed to be under 20 to understand it? The mom seems like a king hearted soul, but a total misfit. The daughter seems to have zero self esteem, sense of self, or idea who she is, what she is, where she is going, or grounding in life. She is kind of a social drifter. A social opportunist, desperate to fit in. And she ends up selecting the worst possible girls to hang out with, as a result. Is this a cautionary tale? A sort of horror flick, that is not scary? I am not sure the film knows what it wants to be. Not much of a payoff in the end. Good casting. Good cinematography. The film was well done. Wish there was more content within it. Not much there.
A dark fairytale, disturbingly beautiful.
tdkavanagh-118 July 2018
A bold feature debut by Writer-Director Deborah Haywood, this film is everything that is great about British cinema (incredible performances, sharp humour, wonderful characterisation in a relatable setting), but avoids many (if not all) of its cliches.
At its heart the film tackles the themes of adolescence, bullying, social isolation and mental health without becoming burdened with psychoanalysis. It presents social structures of children and adults in its reality (granted for many this will be an extreme reality) and simply tells the story of two unique characters trying to navigate pitfalls they're tragically unprepared for.
With a brutal honesty that never becomes overtly graphic, there are many shocking moments to this story. But herein lies its brilliance. It is not a paint by numbers 'girl tries to fit in before realising her inner beauty and learns to love herself instead'; it is a dark fairytale (though we tend to forget that almost all fairytales are dark), often reminiscent of Fran Walsh & Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures but wonderfully original.
Within the film's brilliant cast there are standout performances from the leads Lily Newmark and the wonderful character actor Joanna Scanlan. While they've been gifted two of the years most eccentric and memorable characters, they bring them to life with such authenticity it's hard not to expect them to be receiving awards next year.
The highs and minor low for me come in the form of the direction. A brief scene where one of the film's bullies pontificates how their behaviour would improve in a different environment is so understated a lesser director would have had it on the cutting room floor or worse still expanded it into a third-act redemption for the bully, undermining our hero's plight. Instead it is a beautiful moment of reality, of which this film contains many.
When Iona and Lyn enter the nearby corner shop there is a sickening blue cast from the lighting, a motif that's not repeated in any other setting and while there could be further meaning to it, it was lost on me and formed a small insignificant distraction. After all, in every other moment in the film colour is used to great effect, particularly in the fantastical vision's Iona uses to escape reality.
This film is not going to make you feel better about the world but it certainly isn't going to lecture you about it. It's a disturbingly beautiful fairytale that sadly is set in the real world, but will bring you real moments of joy and innocence along the way. Go see this, it's wonderful.
At its heart the film tackles the themes of adolescence, bullying, social isolation and mental health without becoming burdened with psychoanalysis. It presents social structures of children and adults in its reality (granted for many this will be an extreme reality) and simply tells the story of two unique characters trying to navigate pitfalls they're tragically unprepared for.
With a brutal honesty that never becomes overtly graphic, there are many shocking moments to this story. But herein lies its brilliance. It is not a paint by numbers 'girl tries to fit in before realising her inner beauty and learns to love herself instead'; it is a dark fairytale (though we tend to forget that almost all fairytales are dark), often reminiscent of Fran Walsh & Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures but wonderfully original.
Within the film's brilliant cast there are standout performances from the leads Lily Newmark and the wonderful character actor Joanna Scanlan. While they've been gifted two of the years most eccentric and memorable characters, they bring them to life with such authenticity it's hard not to expect them to be receiving awards next year.
The highs and minor low for me come in the form of the direction. A brief scene where one of the film's bullies pontificates how their behaviour would improve in a different environment is so understated a lesser director would have had it on the cutting room floor or worse still expanded it into a third-act redemption for the bully, undermining our hero's plight. Instead it is a beautiful moment of reality, of which this film contains many.
When Iona and Lyn enter the nearby corner shop there is a sickening blue cast from the lighting, a motif that's not repeated in any other setting and while there could be further meaning to it, it was lost on me and formed a small insignificant distraction. After all, in every other moment in the film colour is used to great effect, particularly in the fantastical vision's Iona uses to escape reality.
This film is not going to make you feel better about the world but it certainly isn't going to lecture you about it. It's a disturbingly beautiful fairytale that sadly is set in the real world, but will bring you real moments of joy and innocence along the way. Go see this, it's wonderful.
I was "not cool" throughout childhood...yet I made good friends
mfoxartist13 August 2023
I give the movie points for terrific production values, solid acting, and a decent score. But I couldn't relate to Iona at all, and even less with the mother, Lyn. Iona kept seeking friendships with terrible girls who were quite evidently terrible to Iona from the first moment they met her.
I wasn't popular in school either, but I found lasting friendships with people who had similar interests and were also not the "super cool" kids. Iona had dozens of other girls who she could have made friends with, including one who seemed interested in her at the beginning. She nearly had a nice boyfriend who treated her with respect, but she forsake him in her ridiculous attempt to befriend the bullies.
And all for what? To become a horrible person like these other girls? Was she that blind and stupid? Certainly, her priorities were completely upside down. I couldn't help having some pity for her, but kept shaking my head at her dumb decisions...why did you keep trying to befriend these awful girls, Iona, why? In the end, her hopeless avarice led to tragedy, and her unbalanced mother was even more self-centered with her final decision.
I won't deny the emotional pull of the movie, or blame anyone who found it heartbreaking and effective. I love independent films and adore weird people who don't fit in with societal standards (quite literally, that is me). But I don't enjoy people who willingly change their nature to appease unworthy company. I don't expect Iona to grow or mature from the experiences she had in this film and her life will continue to be miserable until she finally does.
I wasn't popular in school either, but I found lasting friendships with people who had similar interests and were also not the "super cool" kids. Iona had dozens of other girls who she could have made friends with, including one who seemed interested in her at the beginning. She nearly had a nice boyfriend who treated her with respect, but she forsake him in her ridiculous attempt to befriend the bullies.
And all for what? To become a horrible person like these other girls? Was she that blind and stupid? Certainly, her priorities were completely upside down. I couldn't help having some pity for her, but kept shaking my head at her dumb decisions...why did you keep trying to befriend these awful girls, Iona, why? In the end, her hopeless avarice led to tragedy, and her unbalanced mother was even more self-centered with her final decision.
I won't deny the emotional pull of the movie, or blame anyone who found it heartbreaking and effective. I love independent films and adore weird people who don't fit in with societal standards (quite literally, that is me). But I don't enjoy people who willingly change their nature to appease unworthy company. I don't expect Iona to grow or mature from the experiences she had in this film and her life will continue to be miserable until she finally does.
Colours and love in an age of bullyism
ciaofrancesca31 August 2017
A story told with poetry and colours, about the love between a mother, her daughter and their efforts to fit-in, at the expense of valuing their own unique identity. A story of mean bullyism and peer pressure which remains cruel and hypocritical at any stage of life. A script that resonates well with our contemporary, conforming society.
Magical & haunting
bellej-133184 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
.. Pin Cushion.. a coming of age film.. shocking in content & very emotional.. left me feeling angry.. feeling gutted.. & driving with tears in my eyes.. so many Iona's.. so many Keeley's.. so many loving mother's who don't quite fit in.. so very sad.. I saw the film on my own.. it's never bothered me.. I like my own company as much as others.. & I've never liked to restrict my life based on what others can & cant do.. even Cinderella dressed up & went to the ball by herself.. inspiring right there.. after watching the movie, I realised we need to empower all girls to have the strength to walk alone when needed.. to fully assert themselves when required.. to accept themselves, quirks & all.. & to reject manipulative behaviour from others.. whether from an adult or child.. very moved by this film.. I imagine it will hit cords everywhere x
Depressing story, great excecution
dannar-leitmaa29 April 2018
In some reason I saw it as an entrance for horror festival. It is not horror movie, although there are some similarities with Carrie, Requiem For a Dream or with 13 reason why. Story evolves around socially incapable mother whose only friend are her daughter, some birds and porcelain dolls. Mother and daughter have really close relationship, but as daughter is getting older she's trying to find some friends of her own.
Similarity with Carrie? - Daughter is not well accepted by her schoolmates. There is no paranormality.
Similarity with Requiem for A Dream? - Lapses of reality and sequences which are mere hallucinations.
Similarity with 13 reasons why? - How can one mistake lead to the catastrophe.
Great movie, really great.
Great movie, really great.
Profound, disturbing and deeply moving.
matt_kook23 August 2020
This film is brilliant. It was the sort of film that stayed with me weeks after I first watched it. The contrasts between a uniquely eccentric mother and her daughter trying to make a new life for themselves while living amongst the unempathetic, cruel society we have built.
Phenomenal
priyadarshini-08026 September 2021
This is probably the best movie on loneliness, bullying and associated mental health issues. So moving acting by the two lead actors. Their suffering and challenges are shown through their display of courage as they navigate life everyday carrying enormous pain in their heart. So grateful for the makers for not portraying depressed people as killers but as kind humans as most such people are in real life. This movie doesn't offer a message, but helps us reflect on ourselves, our society and our actions.
Very well filmed.
ste_wood22 July 2018
The Dop must be very talented on this with some great shots, as I said filmed very well, the sound was good, the actors did an awesome job with a great story, however I give it 6/10 because this film seemed to have no middle start and end we're good but I found myself looking at my watch half way through, I have seen a lot worse and hats off to anyone getting this far.
Gripping and realistic
barberjoesif6 April 2020
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