The Fence, directed and written by William Stone, is an expansion of the 2018 short film. Taking place in 1980s Bristol, it is a coming-of-age film that is highly relatable even in the present day. On the surface, it is about a boy named Steve whose motorbike is stolen the day he purchases it. However, it is also a commentary on friends, life, and the decisions one makes.
★★★★✰
It’s not easy growing up in working-class Bristol. Steve Knight (that’s “with a K”, as he tells a police officer early in the film) works at a butcher shop. His brother has just been released from jail. There are punks and gangsters all around. After much saving, Steve has finally saved up enough to purchase a motorbike (the must-have item in 1980s Bristol). The bad news? It gets stolen that very day. What follows is a sometimes hilarious, sometimes incredibly moving journey as he and his friends track down the missing bike.
The film is based on a 2018 short of the same name, which can still be found on YouTube and boasts more than 4.5 million views. The Fence is a labour of love; one can see this in every shot. It’s all the more impressive when considering that the director, William Stone, has only recently graduated from university with a degree in filmmaking. In this aspect, it is similar to Taika Waititi’s What We Do In The Shadows, which was originally a short when Mr. Waititi was starting out, before becoming a feature-length movie in 2014. Many of the New Zealand crew have gone on to have illustrious careers, and it is likely that those involved with The Fence will follow a similar path.
The rest of the cast and crew are also young and highly talented — whoever was in charge of casting should be applauded for a job well done. Everyone seems perfect for their role, which is all the more impressive given that the cast is made up primarily of newcomers.
The plot has some very funny moments in it, which has the benefit of balancing out the film’s sadder moments, and in certain scenes it’s a wonder that the cast didn’t end up laughing through each take. However, there are moments where there is a bit of a drag in the plot. The director at times seems a bit anxious, as though wanting to cross all their t’s to ensure that there are no plot holes for the audience to pick up on. While this makes sense from a textbook perspective, sometimes a bit of nuance can make things more interesting. Mr. Stone is still young, though, and it is almost certain he will hone this skill as he continues his directorial career.
The cinematography by Adam Pickford is also lovely. He has a good eye for colour and composition, with all the scenes having a crisp and clear attribute to them. Additionally, he manages to capture the neon of the 1980s without losing the somber grey tones of working-class Bristol.
Jess Venn has done a fabulous job with the costume design. Much appreciated was the reference to Risky Business! As the film is supposedly set in 1983, this was a perfect wink. From pink rollers to red plaid, all of the characters have just that extra touch to their costumes, which makes them even more enjoyable to watch.
The Fence is a welcome addition to coming-of-age films. Life won’t always go according to plan, it tells the audience, but with friends and family, at least the blows will be softened.
The Verdict
Ambitious, creative, and funny, this is a movie to add to your watchlist. Although a bit bumpy in parts, it pulls through in the end. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be waiting for the next movie from this incredibly talented director.
Words by Jordan Cracknell
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