Fish Tank (2009)
I only knew this from a recommendation by some reviewers I trust, but it was a great decision to see this in a 35mm showing. It is a rather harsh and rough film to watch, as everyone is acting aggressive and talking extremely badly at each other. Sort of like the British version of The Florida Project (more like the other way around actually). What makes it work so well is how it is never judgemental of its characters or trying to manipulate some form of sympathy, which many movies in this social-realist genre can tend to do. Andrea Arnold is very neutral director here, just showing things and allow our own reactions and feelings to surface from what happens on screen. All actors play extremely well and convincing, especially Katie Jarvis as the lead showing a rigorous driving force to always do something, a trait that often lead her into situations that weren’t exactly planned like that from the start.
Rating: 5