film review: submarine
Submarine is a comic, quirky and charmingly self-referential coming of age story, featuring bottomless depths of marine metaphors, a tacky mystic and some light arson. The story is narrated by Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts), an overly socially aware teenager who likes to imagine the repercussions of his own death – local news stories, candlelit vigils, the whole lot. Oliver successfully elicits a romance with strident, cynical classmate Jordana (Yasmin Paige), but finds himself having to prioritise between efforts to maintain this relationship and his desperate meddling to save his parents’ marriage.
Submarine is the feature film directorial debut of Richard Ayoade, better known for his roles in The IT Crowd and The Mighty Boosh. Although the story is based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne, Ayoade also wrote the screenplay and the film is a fine testament to his creative abilities. Ayoade has been supported, not only by a convincing and endearing cast, but by capable designers, photographers and composers. The soundtrack to the film, partially contributed by Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, is a charming addition to the film. Every element of this movie is well crafted. There’s the impression that no-one is here to show off, that everything has been made with care.
This may look like a lot of other coming of age stories – a weird kid finds another weird kid to fall in love with, they have some troubles, live through those troubles and everyone is enriched by the experience. But there are things about Submarine which make it the pick of the’ weird-kids-in-love’ litter. The manner of storytelling is more about observations than about lessons learned. Despite the fact that the narrative devices quietly claw at the fourth wall, the film manages to capture a level of authenticity. It also manages to be consistently amusing and nostalgic in a manner somewhat reminiscent of Freaks and Geeks.
The premise of Submarine is not altogether original, but it is simple. In embracing this simplicity Ayoade and his crew have created a delightful film, something to ignite your senses or to wash over you like a warm tide.
