Treacle Jr.

This is a top UK independent film which really shows what the genre is capable of. Quality performances and an excellent script make Treacle Jr.one of the most memorable and interesting films I've seen for a good while. Its characters are good as on fire, there is an energy on the screen that leaves a knot in your stomach, an engaging sincerity that is neither overdone nor leadened over by any sort of hipster-esque apathy. This is what independent film in the UK is capable of doing, and what it should be doing. It can be proud of this kind of talent and I hope it will reflect this in its support of UK cinema in all its diversity.

Okay, I watched this late the other night not expecting much but sometimes these low budget films deliver and I was so glad I watched it.

Firstly Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones) absolutely steals this film, his delivery of his character is acting gold! His character (again called Aiden) is one of life's lovable downtrodden people who refuse to give in and feel sorry for themselves, no matter what. Aiden sees the good in everyone and continually smiles at the daily difficulties that's thrown at him and you'll immediately warm to him, this is the immense power of his incredible acting abilities. The film shows Tom who has left his life behind cross paths with Aiden and how they sort of 'mend' each other.

If you love a film that doesn't conform to the usual stories or just want a masterclass in character acting then this film is a total joy.

Loved loved loved this little treasure.

What Can I Add to All The Great Comments From Other Contributors Other Than Simply an Excellent Piece of Work from All Concerned.It Made Other Dramas of The Same Ilk Fade in Comparison! The Actors/Actresses Made The Storyline "Flow" and Seem So Contempory and Lifelike in a Casual but Effective Way.Aiden Gillen Played a Challenging Role as a Person with Obvious Autistic Traits That Came Across Beautifully.Sometimes Sad Sometimes Very Funny ("Tom,Tom!! Am I Annoying Ya Tom?") :-) Overall a Very Enjoyable Film That Depicts The "Care in The Community" Aspect of The 21st Century Very Questionable Indeed!! Nevertheless,My Wife and I Were Transfixed from Start to Finish in a Film That Has All The Hallmarks of Quality and with a Good Ending! GREAT STUFF!!!!

I sought Treacle Jr out at the London Film Festival, on the strength of The Low Down.

What stands out is the intensity of the two lead performances. Gillen shows some very impressive range. Going 180 % from from playing the Mayor of Baltimore to a desperate and guileless character like this. While Tom Fisher plays off him very effectively as a credible and fairly sympathetic man, who is clearly out of his depth and dealing with major emotional problems of his own.

The early scenes, where Tom tries to gently deflect Aiden's advances, without being unkind, came off as very well judged and authentic. Tom's growing connection to Aiden, which develops into instincts of protectiveness, was very believably handled and well paced.

The film's low-key visual approach and use of gentle observational humour help carry it along smoothly. In summary, Treacle Jr is a very engaging watch if you like performance driven films.

What a fantastic film. Treacle Jr is quite unlike any film I have seen! Hats off to Jamie Thraves and to the incredible cast for creating a real gem. Despite such an evident contrast between the two lead actors, the realism portrayed by both Aidan Gillen and Tom Fisher is unmatched. Firstly, you have Aidan's character of Aidan (perfectly suited), who is a kind, unknowingly funny, child-like adult whose mind seems to always be in overdrive. Despite having almost nothing, his character remains wonderfully optimistic. Then we have Tom's character of Tom (very fitting); a sullen and inhibited man whose views are seemingly pessimistic. Such a stark contrast between the pair makes for a very unlikely friendship... but as the film goes on, the audience realise that the impact they have on one another's lives is exactly what each needs in order to move on with their own lives; their desires are also incomparably different. Aidan's acting was mesmerising; absolutely flawless. There was such a helpless naivety about his character that really intrigued me. A man who has such an optimistic view on a world that's so unkind to him.... His joy in such little things and his willingness to prevail. Yet there is an underlying sadness that comes with his character; the harsh truth that his dreams are very much but a dream. It made me overwhelmingly sad as the audience realise this, and Tom realises this, but he does not... Or perhaps he does realise, nevertheless his hope shines through. Either way, this aspect of Aidan's character made the ending so much more bittersweet. I was smiling yet balling my eyes out at the same time. Tom was also fantastic. His character was played so well that I'd forgotten the pair were actors. I really felt like I was watching a man who was constantly on the verge of breaking point. Both characters' endings left me feeling fulfilled yet empty... perhaps if you've seen it, you'll understand. If not, watch it! Kudos to the two tremendously captivating performances and massive kudos to Jamie Thraves for creating such a beautifully moving film. I was sent on a real rollercoaster of emotions. Not to mention, the film certainly follows its element of "black comedy" with its extremely funny moments in particularly dark, tense scenes. This might just be my new favourite film. Also, as I'm writing this in 2020, Aidan's character has taught me to cherish the positives. I aspire to have optimism and joy for the little things in life. This film is one of them.