Jamie Patterson’s Brighton-based tale of “Sex & Drugs & C*ck & B*lls” is a dark and delirious comedy in what feels like a British Pulp Fiction.
★★★✰✰
Following his BIFA-nominated feature films Tucked (2019) and Justine (2021), writer/director Jamie Patterson’s latest release, God’s Petting You, continues his look into the untold stories of those on the margins in his hometown of Brighton. Two addicts robbing a pornstar is an exciting enough idea of debauchery to dive into, but what it has to say about the nature of addiction and therapy is shallow and thanklessly hedonistic. Strong lead actors and a great supporting cast aren’t quite enough to elevate this crime comedy thriller to greatness.
Charlie (George Webster) is a heroin addict with dewy skin and nice hair. He attends group addiction therapy only to meet his dealer there (Joe Wilkinson), who is inconveniently moving to Winchester. Things seem to get more interesting when a woman with a fancy moth tattoo on her chest (Skye Lourie) enters the group. She is a sex addict, and soon Charlie and “Tattoo Girl” (as she is credited) begin a relationship. God’s Petting You opens with a framing device, where Charlie recounts recent events in his life to his therapist (Alice Lowe). The setup may lead viewers to expect some unreliable narrator shenanigans and a twist at the end, but the twist is poorly executed and lacks psychological insight. The film’s take on addiction is also overly jovial and shallow and that the therapeutic community is too judgmental.
Tattoo Girl has a well-endowed, abusive pornstar boyfriend (Benedict Garrett). The couple plan to rob him, and they purchase a gun from a shady dealer known as “The American” (Patrick Bergin). As the story progresses, Charlie and Tattoo Girl become more selfish, dislikeable, and feckless, but God’s Petting You seems to present them as wisecracking, crazy mixed-up kids that the audience should root for. It is hard to empathise with such unsympathetic characters.
Whilst Webster is charismatic as Charlie, despite his addiction, it’s hard to find him that likeable. He mocks therapy and addiction entirely, and his fascination with Tattoo Girl seems incredibly unfounded, though the pair’s chemistry is undeniable. God’s Petting You attempts to portray her sex addiction with sensitivity, acknowledging through a monologue that she became an addict due to abuse by a psychiatrist as a child, but the film ultimately treats this addiction as hedonistic fun, which does not ring true. Consequently, the film’s portrayal of addiction and relationships is simplistic and unconvincing.
A core element of what makes God’s Petting You tick is its dialogue, which feels mostly improvised. At times, this is effective and works well with a cast that can, for the most part, pull it off. However, the overwhelming presence of so much of this improvised dialogue comes off as a constant attempt at humour at the detriment of the conviction of the characters. It conflicts with the generally well-executed, Tarantino-esque violence and themes of crime that would otherwise make this great.
Whilst some of the supporting actors deliver enjoyable performances and moments, such as Joe Wilkinson’s droll, filthy monologue and Joss Porter’s genuinely funny portrayal of Charlie’s coked-up call centre colleague with marital problems, it’s not enough to save the film. Despite these supporting side plots being some of the more entertaining elements of the film, it does ruin the pacing – especially towards the end. Ultimately, these stronger moments aren’t enough to elevate God’s Petting You into something truly memorable.
The Verdict
With an entertaining concept and a cast that riff off of eachother well, God’s Petting You spirals into a pale, Brighton-inspired version of Bonnie and Clyde. Charlie and Tattoo Girl’s plan to rob her abusive pornstar boyfriend adds a thrilling element to the story, but God’s Petting You‘s shallow portrayal of addiction and relationships, unconvincing characters, and poorly executed twist leaves an underwhelming impression at its end.
Words by Kieran Webb.
God’s Petting You was released in UK cinemas on 21st April 2023.
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