Quirky is something of a dirty word when it comes to describing indie cinema. However this engaging first film from the British director Rachel Tunnard wears its oddball eccentricity rather well. Homespun and playful in its aesthetic, the film tackles weighty themes – the bereavement of the central character – with a light, and often humorous touch. Jodie Whittaker is terrific in the role of Anna, whose life has stalled since the death of her twin brother. She has moved into her mother’s garden shed, neglected personal grooming to ruinous effect and passes the time making short films that star her endlessly bickering thumbs. A visit from a school friend, the approach of her 30th birthday and the tragically inept chat-up attempts by a local estate agent Brendan (Brett Goldstein, appealingly gauche) provide the impetus to start moving on with her life. Or at least to think about it. Tunnard has a distinctive directorial voice – it will be interesting to see what she does next.
