Cinematic Exploration of Friendship and Alienation

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Something About You
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: TBA
Runtime: 1h 11m
Director(s): Alastair Coughlan
Co-Created by: Luana Maria Şeu
Writer(s): Alastair Coughlan
Cast: Luana Maria Şeu, Alastair Coughlan, Rebeca Valean, Stoiciuc Elena, Hannah Harquart, Ryan Yengo, Simone Gallico, Paul Bigley, Şeu Victoria, Şeu Ioan
Where To Watch: TBA, currently on the festival circuit

RAVING REVIEW: SOMETHING ABOUT YOU ventures into the turbulent waters of indie filmmaking with a budget that barely scratches the £850 ($1100) mark. This narrative venture is crafted under the direction of Alastair Coughlan, who also stars as one of the protagonists, Ed, who explores cultural frictions and the nuances of language that shape our understanding of identity and belonging. Set against the backdrop of Romania's scenic vistas and the bustling streets of London, the film is a stark, monochromatic ode to the complexities of human relationships.

From the outset, it's clear that Coughlan's ambitions were high, as they tackled the roles of director, lead actor, and composer, presenting a piano score that adds a hauntingly beautiful layer to the film. The cinematography, handled by Kabos Bela Alexandru, employs black and white visuals that effectively accentuate the characters' emotional landscapes, particularly in the developing relationship between Ed and Eva (Luana Maria Seu.)

The musical queues of the film occasionally feel as though they loop into repetitiveness, failing to match the emotional depth that the movie's visuals reach. Along with this, the dialogue and some of the character's interactions feel a little off; I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they’re bad, just that they occasionally feel a little unnatural, although this is to be expected with a film that was made as a passion project with unknown actors, and an almost nonexistent budget.

The thematic core of SOMETHING ABOUT YOU delves deep into the heart of its story, weaving a poignant examination of identity and displacement. Coughlan’s narrative bravely tackles the intricate dance of adapting to a new cultural environment, showing their characters' resilience and vulnerability. The film does an admirable job of portraying the isolating experience of an outsider trying to find a place in a foreign land. This theme resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of step with their surroundings, making the film’s message universally appealing. Through its thoughtful depiction of cultural assimilation and personal transformation, SOMETHING ABOUT YOU invites viewers to reflect on their experiences of change and acceptance, enriching the cinematic journey with layers of meaning and emotion.

Despite the occasional hurdles, SOMETHING ABOUT YOU is a testament to the tenacity required in independent filmmaking. It highlights the often-overlooked efforts of those who work off-camera and sets a hopeful trajectory for Coughlan's future in the arts. Everyone starts somewhere, and I would be remarkably proud to say this was a “first” with a powerful narrative, strong cast, and overall solid presentation.

This film presents a rich exploration of human connection and artistic ambition wrapped in a visual style that challenges and charms its audience. Its story resonates well beyond the confines of its arthouse style, appealing to anyone who appreciates a story well told through the lens of real-world challenges and triumphs.

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[photo courtesy of CHARLIE LYNE, PENNY BANK PRODUCTIONS]

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