Rudy

We were treated to a very special and unique experience when the film 'Rudy' was shown at Hollowell Village Hall in October. The VH committee was approached by Rugby based film director Shona Auerbach who, along with her husband, cinematographer, Graeme Dunn, had created the film.

They described the project as a "labour of love" which had taken them 10 years to fulfil.

Shona had collaborated with a colleague to write the film, moved to do so by the experience of losing a loved one, particularly the effect on a young teenager of losing a mother.

Rudy is the fictional teenager in the film, devastated by the death of her mother and left, alone with her grieving father, to care for two much younger siblings.

This may all sound totally miserable, but the film had moments of humour and wonderful portrayals of everyday life.

It showed both Rudy and her father coming to terms with their appalling loss.

It was a treat for the eyes and ears with beautiful photography, ranging from details of domestic activity, to urban skateboarders, to our beautiful countryside. The urban setting used was Coventry and the rural landscape was around Birdingbury and Leamington Hastings.

The music for "Rudy" was written by Japanese composer, Akira Kosemura and was atmospheric and evocative.

The film is being shown in some small cinemas around the country and is currently available on Curzon Home Cinema for £10. The creators of the film are also taking it to local villages in the area. We in Hollowell count ourselves very fortunate to have benefited from this.

It was a real privilege and rare insight to get the opportunity to talk to the makers of this rather special film.

Viv Benjamin.

Rudy is perfectly balanced - tender and heartwarming, but with just enough edge to keep you believing and wondering what's going to happen next. At its core is a love story, underpinned by compelling and authentic central performances, but there's much more to the film than that. I was struck by its meditation on community and the ways in which people desire it and improvise it against the odds. Beautifully shot, it makes the most of Coventry's extraordinary, layered urban environment. There are hypnotic passages where the music and images take over, and moments of almost unbearable suspense. The ending is perfectly judged, closing on an unexpected note of joyful ambiguity. Like all good films, it follows you out into the world and stays with you.

"Rudy" is an inspiring and remarkable achievement. It is a beautiful and suspenseful family drama that shows that it is possible, even in the present dismal circumstances of British independent film, to produce serious, powerful and sincere regional cinema. The cast are marvellous. Esther McCormick's inwardness and pre-raphaelite beauty are set off against the amazing 8-year old Alice Knights as her quirkily hilarious sister. However, all the players are excellent, especially Darren Day as the decent, grief-tormented father. The countryside of Warwickshire and cityscape of Coventry, both almost unknown to cinema, play an important role in the background. I hope that this outstanding effort can serve as an inspiration to other regional film-makers.

Rudy is a touching and tender film with a seamless narrative, exploring the profound impact of a mother's death on a family. The husband and teenage daughter navigate the tragedy, redefining their bonds of love. Despite a familiar theme, the film personalizes it beautifully with realistic strength and excellent character portrayals, including the other children in the family and two older ladies, who complement the narrative in a tragicomic way.

From the daughter's repressed inner and interpersonal conflicts, a love story with another vulnerable teenager develops. The touching and innocent relationship becomes a delicate catalyst for understanding and coping with reality.

Stunning cinematography, thoughtful closures, and effective use of silence enhance the emotional resonance. The movie provides a refreshingly empathetic look into the teenage daughter's inner world, capturing her pain, struggles, and mental adjustment. In summary, it's a poignant exploration of grief and growth within a family.

I was lucky to see this exquisite movie at a local film club in Great Ayton, followed by a Q&A with the Director. What a lovely story, beautiful told and anchored by superb performances from the children. Darren Day may not be everyone's first choice for a grieving Warwickshire farmer but he pulls it off! A special word for the music - the choice of songs and the score perfectly complement the story. Coventry has never looked so beautiful, either.

I truly hope this labour of love ( it took 10 years to be made and released) finds a bigger audience. I saw this on the same day as the much bigger Saltburn. This is a far superior movie and deserves an opportunity to find an audience.