Oliver Tate, 15 going on 16, has age-appropriate problems: his Dad is depressive, his Mum may be having an affair with the charismatic new-age mystic who has moved in nearby, and he would quite like to have sex with would-be pyromaniac and possible girlfriend Jordana (who may have problems of her own).
This film is clearly badged as a comedy, and it isn't. It is not without laughs, but it is a wry, wistful, sometimes painful, often touching, and always honest account of a lad going through a difficult time (and possibly making it even more entertaining for himself). Which is not to say that it isn't entertaining because it is, very much so.
The script is a joy, the performances are first rate (and beautifully understated, particularly Paddy Considine's revelatory and hilarious self-publicising mystic), and Richard Ayoade's first time direction is inspired.
Highly recommended.
This film is clearly badged as a comedy, and it isn't. It is not without laughs, but it is a wry, wistful, sometimes painful, often touching, and always honest account of a lad going through a difficult time (and possibly making it even more entertaining for himself). Which is not to say that it isn't entertaining because it is, very much so.
The script is a joy, the performances are first rate (and beautifully understated, particularly Paddy Considine's revelatory and hilarious self-publicising mystic), and Richard Ayoade's first time direction is inspired.
Highly recommended.