Dir. Richard Ayoade (trailer)
Submarine is a Welsh/British coming of age film that uses writer/director Richard Ayoade's comedic sensibilities to create a unique story that captures the anxieties of going through big changes as a teen. Taking place sometime in the 1970s or 80s, the film creates a nostalgic atmosphere that allows the audience to distance themselves from the character while also becoming invested in his story.
The film's lead character Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) narrates the film, leading us through his life with his somewhat boring parents, played by Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins, he tells the audience how he is an outcast due to his quirkiness caused by his strange personality and general dislike of those around him. When he begins dating Jordana, an equally misanthropic student, they have a strange, whirlwind romance complete with a montage of their finest moments together, such as playing with sparklers on the beach. While his relationship with Jordana blossoms, Oliver's home life begins to fall apart thanks to a new neighbor and he tries to fix his parent's marriage in his own unique ways.
Submarine is understandably not going to be for everyone, the characters in the film can often be unlikeable, but the dark humor and beautifully filmed scenes create an enjoyable, if somewhat odd, indie film. Most famous for Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys' soundtrack for the film, which creates another level of angsty-teen emotions, I highly recommend this film to fans of comedy-dramas and anti-hero lead characters.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Recommended for fans of: comedy, Lady Bird (2017), drama, Moonrise Kingdom (2012), Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
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