(Warning this review contains spoilers)
I made sure I watched this movie when I was home alone as I wasn’t sure how I’d react. I knew that the plot had Shaun as a carer for his friend and I’ve had some personal experience with that. Thankfully though it didn’t really dwell much on that aspect, and there were constant flashbacks which provided welcome relief. Daz saying he’d “had enough” and witnessing Shaun’s compulsive cleaning because he didn’t know what to do with himself, that was difficult viewing. The hospital appointment, not wanting help, that was familiar. I’d say they did their research.
Anyway, Robert Carlyle must be very strong. The actor that played Daz looked to be about the same size as him and RC held him one handed over his shoulder, then he picked up Daniel later (Will Scarlet actor). With the first scene, I would have brought the wheelchair over so there was no carrying required, but perhaps Shaun didn’t think of that.
Ratings are very strange. I mentioned in my review of Face that I was surprised it was an 18. Well this had some full frontal nudity, and the language was loads worse, but it was only a 15. How does that work?
This movie was basically just heartbreaking. The flashbacks to Shaun as a young child, and as a teenager, were bad enough on their own because I wanted somebody to help him. Unfortunately I know our education system and especially all those years ago, there just wasn’t the support. There’s not really the support now. They don’t like anyone that doesn’t fit in their boxes.
I was so scared and sad for Shaun when he was looking at the pills. Shaun lost everything really didn’t he? He always had a good heart, giving Daz his dinner without a word when they were kids, but he had a bad reputation because of his frustration and anger issues because of it. The hate he had from Katy’s parents was so sad. At least for a while he had Katy but then I’m guessing he went to jail for the arson and then he never saw her again.
When he got out he had to live with the fact that Daz was paralyzed, because he left him to run from the cops (from a crime he’d committed). Thankfully Daniel arrived and made him think twice about the pills, but Daz was Shaun’s purpose. I suppose now looking after Daniel is his purpose but still it’s not good. What happens when Daniel moves out and hopefully makes something of his life? The ending was quite unsatisfying in terms of hope, there really wasn’t any.
This movie was just miserable really. I’m not sure whether to recommend it or not because Robert Carlyle does give a fantastic performance, but it’s miserable viewing. I know not all movies are meant to entertain, some are meant to provoke thought etc. but there wasn’t much of a light side to this. It was just sad.
