AV screening chops be damned – this BAFTA-winning British film deserves a proper watch
Like many people last night, I was tuned into the BAFTA Awards, eager to guess the correct winners in each category. I’d like to think I’ve done pretty well, but then again, those pesky BAFTA voters get the better of me sometimes. Maybe next time…
There were films that took home more respect than others, especially for them One Battle After Another, Hamnet again They are sinners dominate the list of winners.
But there was a British film I was more than happy to see get some love. I sweardirected by Kirk Jones, it won two BAFTAs – one for best actor and one for best actress.
Based on a true story, the film follows John Davidson (played by Robert Aramayo), who is diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome – a condition that causes him to make repetitive sounds or movements. He struggles to fit in with his peers and hold down a job until he gets a position at the local community center.
Watch it open
Certainly, it’s not the most spectacular looking or the most interesting film nominated for the Awadis. Hamnet‘s soft, subtle cinematography and Marty SupremeKinetic filmmaking certainly stands out more than that I swearAn effective method without a doubt.
The soundtrack isn’t nearly as daring as Ludwig Göransson’s score They are sinnersor.
But what makes it stand out from the rest is the stellar performance from Aramayo, which lends the film a tangible and personal feel that makes it worth seeing. He portrays the main character in a sensitive way, with a touch of humor and interest, so that you cannot take your eyes off him during the film’s performance.
His natural chemistry with Maxine Peake is also a joy to watch on screen. The actor plays his mentor and mother actress, Dottie, who encourages him to get a job and eventually run his own community service for other people with Tourette’s. His character is full of kindness and warmth, and the journey of this rub on John is inspiring to see.
That’s why we were surprised that Aramayo beat outstanding players in the category of Best Leading Actor, especially Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan.
The BAFTA results confirm that, as the Scottish teenager won the EE Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public. The film also has 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, and nearly 99 percent on Popcornmeter.
Sadly, it’s not available to watch in 4K, but you can buy the Blu-ray from HMV or stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
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