FILM REVIEW: Submarine

Submarine
Director: Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige, Noah Taylor
(out of 5)

In recent years we’ve had a few too many quirky indie coming-of-age romcoms. That this was a British film, not American, and didn't star Michael Cera, made it quite a bit more promising. Being Richard Ayoade’s debut made it even more exciting, given his work on The IT Crowd, Nathan Barley and The Mighty Boosh. And indeed, Ayoade does show off a great directing finesse in this Welsh tale of love and teenhood, making it a lot more enjoyable than many recent similar films.

It follows 15-year-old Oliver who, like every boy his age, is desperately keen on losing his virginity. He has Jordana, a pretty, snarky girl from his class, in his sights. Oliver is also intent on saving his parents’ marriage, mortified by the suspicion his mother has been cheating on his mopey father with her first lover, a ridiculous New Age life coach.

Sally Hawkins, Noah Taylor and Paddy Considine form a brilliant supporting cast and Ayoade’s eye for a beautiful shot means there’s always something pretty to look at. It’s amusing from beginning to end with a few laugh out loud moments, too.

Unfortunately, what makes Submarine stay a good film and prevents it from being a great one, is the weakness in the romantic and coming-of-age elements. Oliver and Jordana are teenagers, sure, but having them quite as emotionally flat as they are here is a little annoying and not very engaging. Still, this is a wonderfully stylistic and impressive debut effort from Richard Ayoade and I look forward to what he does next.

Submarine Trailer
 

By Daniel Rutledge