What an incredible debut from British director Fyzal Boulifa.
His slyly empathetic Essex drama tracks the destruction of a beautiful-ugly friendship between Lynn (newcomer Roxanne Scrimshaw) and Lucy (Nichola Burley), two mums, one of them new to the game.
Lynn and Lucy have been joined at the hip for years. When something horrifying happens, it leads Lynn to make a bid for freedom, via new pals.
The camera-work is bold (Boulifa uses a 4:3 aspect ratio that deliberately cramps his characters’ style). The effect is disorientating, stressful and — ultimately — electrifying.
Lucy is all chiselled bravado. Lynn has Janis Joplin’s wounded smile. Both actresses deserve prizes. Burnley + Scrimshaw — a film you can’t afford to miss.
BFI Player
