3 reviews
Casting Matthew MacFadyen in the lead role seems a gamble both by the film-makers and also for the actor. However, this drama (in my opinion), seems well-researched enough, for the reputations of both to remain intact.
Thought-provoking, sensitive and filmed from a shifting perspective, the drama deals with an incredibly delicate subject well. Upon watching it, it's possible you may find yourself questioning your own empathy to various characters.
I'm determined to stay the right side of "contains spoilers", so it ties my hands somewhat. But please, 'give this a go', it has been written well, and is incredibly well acted. Kudos to MacFadyen for taking on an astonishingly difficult part.
Pace, direction and length are spot-on. You cannot predict the ending, it is very much (too) new territory to even get near the inner-workings of the lead's mind. The children in the roles act well too, and having 2 girls around the ages suggested, I can vouch for the authenticity of their naiveté, speech, false confidence and over-estimation of being 'streetwise'. A little scary in parts, but overall, a very interesting look at an extremely controversial, even taboo subject, through (a lot of the time), the eyes of the person you would least want to.
Bravo to Channel 4 for having the balls to get this made and shown.
Thought-provoking, sensitive and filmed from a shifting perspective, the drama deals with an incredibly delicate subject well. Upon watching it, it's possible you may find yourself questioning your own empathy to various characters.
I'm determined to stay the right side of "contains spoilers", so it ties my hands somewhat. But please, 'give this a go', it has been written well, and is incredibly well acted. Kudos to MacFadyen for taking on an astonishingly difficult part.
Pace, direction and length are spot-on. You cannot predict the ending, it is very much (too) new territory to even get near the inner-workings of the lead's mind. The children in the roles act well too, and having 2 girls around the ages suggested, I can vouch for the authenticity of their naiveté, speech, false confidence and over-estimation of being 'streetwise'. A little scary in parts, but overall, a very interesting look at an extremely controversial, even taboo subject, through (a lot of the time), the eyes of the person you would least want to.
Bravo to Channel 4 for having the balls to get this made and shown.
- jessieanchor
- Apr 24, 2007
- Permalink
Charlie (Matthew Macfadyen) is a sex offender released from prison. Emma (Holly Aird) is his assigned therapist. He struggles against his attraction to girls. He had sex with 3 girls aged 7 to 12. He was abused by his father at the age of 8. He stays at a halfway house. However, he is discovered and hounded by thugs looking to chase him out and he's haunted by his desires.
The first half has a lot of interesting minutia into the world and the mind of a pedophile. The main problem is trying to root for a sex offender who is actually guilty. I never get close to wanting this predator to get out of prison despite Macfadyen's sweet demeanor. The whole movie is like playing with fire. It's very uncomfortable when he's interacting with teenage girls. The tone is never quite right.
The first half has a lot of interesting minutia into the world and the mind of a pedophile. The main problem is trying to root for a sex offender who is actually guilty. I never get close to wanting this predator to get out of prison despite Macfadyen's sweet demeanor. The whole movie is like playing with fire. It's very uncomfortable when he's interacting with teenage girls. The tone is never quite right.
- SnoopyStyle
- Feb 25, 2016
- Permalink
- bob the moo
- Jun 3, 2007
- Permalink