A One Mann’s Movies review of “After Love” (2021).
“After Love” (currently available under subscription on the BFI Player) continues my efforts to fill in the gaps in my BAFTA nominations list. This is nominated in four categories: Best British Film; Best Actress (Joanna Scanlan); Best Director (Aleem Khan) and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer (Aleem Khan).
There used to be a corny soap opera on the BBC in the early ’80s called “Triangle”. It concerned the business and sexual shenanigans of a North Sea ferry business. I can only remember Kate O’Mara sticking her chest out in a range of largely unbuttoned blouses! I hadn’t thought about this in years, until this movie. But you can’t make any other comparison between the two productions in terms of quality. For this is a wonderfully engaging movie.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Dover-based Mary (Joanna Scanlan), a convert to Islam at the start of her long marriage, is mourning the sudden death of her husband Ahmed (Nasser Memarzia). However, in sorting through his possessions she discovers a secret that leads her on an emotional journey across the channel to Calais.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Joanna Scanlan, Nathalie Richard, Talid Ariss.
Directed by: Aleem Khan.
Written by: Aleem Khan.
Twitter Handle: #AfterLove.
“After Love” Review:
Positives:
- This is the debut feature for writer/director Aleem Khan. And it’s an astonishingly mature and competent movie. The story is, in many ways, straightforward. But it’s still gripping, as you try to predict how the secrets will be revealed. ‘Cracks’ form a visual metaphor for the way that Mary’s life is unravelling. Those in the White Cliffs of Dover. And those in the ceiling above a bed. Are they real or imagined? Although the widening crack in the ceiling might be imagined, Mary still brushes the plaster dust off her sleeve!
- The movie is a classic example of ‘show not tell’. The story extends itself through clever visual clues, often delivered silently. Grief is represented skillfully. Both overtly, through the Moslem process of grieving in her lounge. But also covertly through Mary absent-mindedly makes two cups of coffee: so subtle, you could almost miss it. Deception and anger are at the heart of the movie, made all the more poignant by the sharp religious discrepancy between the two parties. FOr example, a subliminal shot shows Ahmed swigging a beer on a beach, for example.
- Joanna Scanlan is best known for comedies like “The Thick of It”. And here in a far more dramatic role, she is staggeringly good: a bold and touching performance. It’s also a brave one in terms of her baring flesh as well as her soul. There was a moment watching this (involving a text conversation) where I shouted “You horrible woman” out loud. It’s a role that has you hating her as well as feeling for her.
- Scanlan is getting all the ‘attaboys’ and the BAFTA attention. But also deserving recognition for their roles are the supporting actors in her shadow – Nathalie Richard and Talid Ariss – . Because it’s a tight but very effective ensemble cast. (It again makes me wish that the SAG “Ensemble Cast” category was one that was replicated for both the BAFTAs and the Oscars).
Negatives:
- Many I suspect will find the pace of the film too slow for their liking. An opening continuous shot of Mary making a cup of tea might immediately make some switch off (although it has a tremendous payoff).
Summary Thoughts on “After Love”
Drama seldom gets more complex and visceral as this. Joanna Scanlan really deserves the Best Actress Oscar for this (I am frankly HORRIFIED that Lady Gaga appears to be the odds on favourite for “House of Gucci“). If she does win on Sunday, I for one will be cheering.
Trailer for “After Love”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUVHzMgbW4I .
