Hi all, been busy since before Christmas with writing but I did manage to catch a few films. Just released this week is The End We Start From, headlined by Jodie Comer with a cameo from Benedict Cumberbatch. I usually try to catch the indie films with Q&As. This time Director Mahalia Belo and screenwriter Alice Birch were in attendance after the preview screening at the BFI on the Southbank (London). The film was partly funded by them and coproduction with BBC Films.
The story premise - Flood ravages the UK and displaces our trio to leave the capital, seeking refuge elsewhere in the country. The whole country falls into a dystopian flood disaster and the story follows Jodie's character, her new born baby and her rather ineffectual husband as they seek refuge.
Suffice to say, I didn't find the film compelling despite Jodie's acting skills. I can't fathom the reason I had no connection to any of the characters. Even though the inciting incident pretty much happens on the prescribed 10 minute mark, the insurmountable conditions they faced, it didn't work for me.
If you have or are going to see this film, please let me have your thoughts. Is it me or are there lessons to be learnt from the script, which is adapted from a book of how to avoid distancing the audience from what should have been a very emotionally engaging film. BTW Benedict agreed to appear in the film to 'help' the film. He had a single scene and his character was poorly developed. It's being released in 250 cinemas tomorrow.
