The witty and somber sides of growing up in working-class Britain are explored in this coming of age drama. David (Thomas Turgoose) and Emily (Holliday Grainger) are a pair of teenagers who grew up in the same trailer park in Norfolk. David and Emily have grown to be best friends; his introspective nature is a compliment for her rambunctious side, and they share a fondness for playing tricks on others. However, life hasn't been kind to Emily lately -- her mother (Susan Lynch) has been deemed an
unfit parent by the court, and her custody has been awarded to her father (Nick Sidi). Emily isn't happy with this turn of events, and rather than move in with her dad, she disappears. David is worried about Emily's safety until he gets word from her that she's moved into a cave on the outskirts of town. David becomes part of Emily's support system, bringing her provisions, but his deeper feelings for her are hurt when he finds out Emily has a boyfriend, an older man named Steve (Rafe Spall), and that she's pregnant with his child. The Scouting Book For Boys was the first feature film from director Tom Harper. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
First-time director Tom Harper creates a suitably foreboding atmosphere, ensuring that even if the dramatic turns the film takes stretch credibility, the film feels like a sincere reflection of its protagonist's world.
Tom Harper's debut feature shows the director has an eye for a great shot -- the opening sequence where the two young actors leap across caravan tops against the setting sun is particularly memorable.
It's one of those depressing, unconsciously patronising British movies about downmarket characters in which everyone has such a low IQ that it's difficult to drum up much empathy for any of them.
This thoroughly engrossing tale deserves to reach an audience, as one hopes that such brave and powerful filmmaking will encourage others in the industry to invest in the unique and young home-grown talent responsible for this triumph.
Good acting, unexpectedly dark twist to the story, but at the same time, some aspects of it felt a bit over-the-top (Emily's mum bears a striking resemblance to Amy Winehouse, for example).
There's a lot to admire in this movie. It's from a first time director and I liked his visuals and moods. Script was by my favorite writer on Skins and while he still displays his uncanny ability to capture the darker aspects of adolescence in a believable way, the characters seemed surprisingly thin and uninvolving.
Performances were really good though and after a soggy middle section, the story's 3rd act suddenly comes alive and delivered what I was expecting.
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