Pawel Pawlikowski's The Last Resort was one of the best-received British films of recent years, picking up countless critical plaudits and establishing its director as one of the brightest new talents around. The good news is that his latest effort, based on Helen CrossÆ 2002 novel, is just as impressive. It's a gentle, intimate coming-of-age drama that revolves almost entirely around three characters, and is all the better for it.
While the storyline is a tad predictable (it's all too easy to see where the girls' friendship is going), Pawlikowski's sharp script and keen eye for characterisation prevent the film from becoming dull or resorting to cliche, instead creating believable protagonists that it's easy to care about. The central trio are all superb - newcomer Press is a real find, while Considine adds another terrific performance to his CV as a man who's given up everything for God.
Visually it's a treat too: the countryside backdrops are used to full effect and the lush furnishings of Tamsin's privileged life contrast sharply with the stark realities of Mona's. In Pawlikowski's hands, what could have been a depressing, heavy-going experience is instead affecting and sweet.