Somers Town (2008)

Two teens in London strike up a friendship and bond over a crush on the same waitress. Marek (Piotr Jagiello) lives with his father Mariusz (Ireneusz Czop), who works in construction. The two have recently relocated from Poland. Marek spends his free time taking pictures. His father works long days and drinks with his buddies at night. The two are close and spend their quality times together during meals. Tomo (Thomas Turgoose) has just landed in London’s Somers Town from Leeds with a few bags sans a place to stay.

The friendship between Marek and Somers Town’s new arrival Tomo  gets off to a rough start before developing. The two court French waitress Jane (Kate Dickie). This is a story about friendship and coming of age in a city where cultures meld and clash. The story is simple; the details are rich and memorable. The leads are possess more than enough charm to keep you engaged. Graham (Perry Benson), a secondary character, is the surprise element. Each of his scenes are unique and entertaining. (Graham should get his own movie.) Excellent acting from all cast. Shot in black and white until the final scene which erupts in deep saturated colors that pop.

Somers Town is another excellent offering from Film Movement. Don’t know who they are? You should.

“Film Movement is a full-service North American distributor of critically acclaimed award-winning independent and foreign films. Film Movement has released films from 25 countries and six continents, including top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, Tribeca and many other prestigious film festivals. Through partnerships with theaters, TV networks, wholesalers, retailers, institutions, and a first of its kind subscription service, Film Movement is able to get the films it distributes the audience they deserve.”

Writer/Director: Shane Meadows

Country: UK

Genre: Drama

Run time: 72 minutes

Scale: 4