Mike Leigh exposes this one slowly--almost lethargically, without the capitol "p" Plot that more industrially drove Secrets & Lies, for instance. It takes time and relaxed observation to really uncover this film. I confess that I was taxed a bit the first 40 minutes--my Hollywood-molded mind wanting more direction--not knowing where he was going--but knowing how much I love Leigh's work and trusting him as a director, I re-focused, and enjoyed the film.
While the adult relationship (or lack thereof) between Timothy Spall and Lesley Manville is the central focus, I found the goings on of the teenage set most interesting. Two neighbor girls couldn't be more different--one shy, tender, and feeling. She covers it up with self-righteous overreaction and stabs at her bemused mother who sees through her act. The other insecure and raising herself alone with one completely incapacitated parent, and the other uncaring and self absorbed. Her insecurities translate into confidence and sexual manipulation.
There are two teenage characters--the latter girl and a teenage boy--who both feel that they are in charge of the relationships they actively manipulate, but are surprised to find that, in fact, they are not in control at all. It's a fine point to put on the equation that a relationship is the interaction of two people, and dealing with the person means bringing their desires and disagreements into your life.
In fact, that's a microcosm of the bigger message of the movie--although I'm not claiming that Leigh had a capitol "m" Message (just like this is not a capitol "r" Review and now I'll stop using this capitol "a" Annoying way of speaking). The realization that people are not only alive in context to our relationship with them, but that our relationships are only alive when people are most fully and fundamentally themselves with you.
The characters find succor in truth and openness, when they seem to fear that finding that point might mean the end of their relationships. Sometimes it does, but it's hard not to say it's for the best. Those who continue to live the closed lives will forever be unhappy, distrusting and alone, even when sleeping next to somebody they share a house and children with.
Where we saw it: DVD | We deign to rate it: 87 outta 100