Title: Submarine
Starring: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige, Sally Hawkins, Noah Taylor and Paddy Considine.
Synopsis: Adapted from the novel by Joe Dunthorne, Submarine is a dark and quirky comedy-drama directed by the fantastic Richard Ayoade as his directorial debut. Set in 1986, the unique 15 year-old Oliver Tate’s (Craig Roberts) goal is to be with the mischievous and moderately unpopular Jordana (Yasmin Paige). After watching Jordana from a distance and driving an overweight classmate out of school for her, Oliver and Jordana establish a unique and slightly strange relationship in which they like to set fire to things (such as Oliver’s leg hair, much to his dismay). At home, times are rough for Oliver as his father, Lloyd (Noah Taylor) struggles with depression and he has a growing suspicion that his mother, Jill (Sally Hawkins) is having an affair with a mystic ex-boyfriend. Oliver tries desperately to keep his family together while trying to take his physical relationship with Jordana to the next level. With a soundtrack so perfect yet slightly melancholic, Submarine is a dark and amusing film in which Ayoade has created a perfect eery atmosphere with his choice of camera techniques and dull, cold colours.
Watch if you liked: Moonrise Kingdom, Nowhere Boy and Daydream Nation.
Rating: 8/10 (Although, it’s a bit like Marmite. You either love it or you hate it.)
Words by Sophie Aitkenhead