Luke (Steven Brandon, a gifted performer and the film’s secret weapon) is a very competent young man with Down’s syndrome who singlehandedly cares for his elderly, bedridden mother (Eileen Pollock). But when she dies in her sleep, he’s forced by the authorities to move into a group home with other adults with complex needs, many of whom are much less able than himself. Bereaved, angry and lonely, Luke slips out against house rules to go on long walks, and discovers a mysterious feral girl (played by contortionist Pixie Le Knot, possibly not her real name). She’s been injured by a fox trap and he nurses her back to health in a barn. Meanwhile, Luke gradually grows closer to his care worker Eve (Shana Swash from EastEnders) and a young toff rebel named Pete (Will Rastall) who is doing community service gardening for the home.
There’s a lot to like here, including the thoughtful portrait of disability, director Jane Gull’s knack with performers of all ability, and the shimmering cinematography by Susanne Salavati. But by the end, the script melts into a hot, melodramatic mess leaving whole strands of plot that make no sense whatsoever. Something clearly went very wrong somewhere along the way, perhaps with the financing or in another department. Which is a shame because, for two-thirds of its running time, this is a work of lacy delicacy, and a great showcase for the magnetic Brandon, who hopefully will continue to pursue a career as an actor.
