Un'estate da ricordare

Kindling 2023. It's great to go to the cinema, watching a well made movie when it's a riveting exciting story, it is a great form of escapism. Sometime the film doesn't even have to be exciting, but interesting to make it thought provoking or a challenge. This film was neither.

What's even better is when your given a free ticket (thanks sis), so by default I didn't spend any money on the movie. Although I did go have a couple of beers, a gherkin and a pickled egg with my mate John afterwards (all true) so it wasn't all bad.

What of the film I hear you cry, the premise is quite simple a group of five friends who reunite to spend one last summer before one of their group dies. That's it really, think of every film about people with a terminal disease well all the cliché's are here. Well this film is maudlin in its delivery and what is aimed to be a celebration of Sid the central character becomes a long drawn out cliché of a hearse of a movie . 5/10.

One of the most beautifully shot pieces. The use of colouring and sound seal the atmosphere of vulnerability and also strength that give Kindling the essence of real human life and feeling.

The portrayal of male friendship and fatherhood unfurl the status quo in a tender manner that expresses the necessity for people to breathe, unfortified.

Somner's performance balances fear, wonder and bravery; every emotion one in Sid's position may experience. Bell's performance allows a deeper look into a father's love for his son, beyond the filter of stereotypes.

Last but not least, the complete capturing of 'home' and what it means. The fear of the unknown weathered by home: "I don't know where you're off to next, but here's a map of home."

An unusual perspective on male emotion, Kindling is sensitively written, sympathetically directed and beautifully shot, with some excellent performances.

We follow the characters though a short summer and we are shown their depth and development as they come to terms with the sad reality of their loved one imminent passing.

The actors put in performances that show they really believe in the story this film is telling, so it is unfair to pick any individual out for praise, as they are all deserving.

And hats off to the young director, Connor O'Hara, who shines a light on this often hidden subject.

I defy you not to be moved by this thoughtful film.

Kindling

What a refreshing change, to see a film tackling a sad but very real issue that many of us will cross swords with at some point in our lives.

It opens a window on a small group of family and freinds, one of whom has a terminal illness, it never focuses on a single person but we are allowed to see how this impacts on everyone in their own way.

It's a first time out for this production team and yes, there are some things that could have been slightly different or the odd tweek here and there. The important thing is to "watch this space", thankfully they aren't going away and personally I'm looking forward to seeing much more of this realistic film making, telling life stories with tact and dignity. Thank you Lowkey Films, we want more!

Kindling is a film about a serious topic, but made with a beautiful light touch. I loved all the characters, who are so natural and real. Director Connor Ohara clearly had a fantastic relationship with his amazing cast and crew, and this shines through, the friendships and relationships between the characters feels so real. The cinematography is beautiful, of the gorgeous English countryside. The music is moving and uplifting, and enhances the film perfectly.

Kindling manages to deal with a tough subject in a sensitive, non indulgent way. It ultimately is a film about lasting love, friendship and hope. The positive emotions from this film will stay with me. I highly recommend watching it.