In this age of raucous blockbuster franchises, where more is more & each one vies to outdo the last, into this maelstrom drops "Nowhere Special".
This is a work of extraordinary restraint, a real tribute to the film makers art. In other hands it could have been a schmaltzy, cloying dose of sentimentality. I dread to think of what American directors would have done with it. This, however, has been handled with the lightest touch, a guiding hand that has drawn out the very best from the whole cast. I normally *loathe* child actors, they set my teeth on edge!. The young boy in this is in another league altogether. At no point does he appear to be "acting" or forced. The relationship between father & son is utterly & completely believable at all times. James Norton's tactic of befriending his young co-star, over an extended period of time, is evident in the ease with which they interact throughout.
I really can't recommend this film highly enough. From the sensitive handling of an imminent death; to the stunning acting; to the use of the Belfast backdrop & lastly, the *beautiful*, sparing use of the perfect music. I streamed this & I never bother to watch end credits (unless it's one of those tricksy superhero movies that sneak in a cheeky bit at the end!) but I stayed with this to the very end, transfixed by the beauty of a musical score that served as the perfect elegy to the film.
This is that increasingly rare thing, a film with integrity & heart, the perfect tribute to the people who actually went through this. Kudos to everyone concerned in the making of this film & they deserved far better from the box office.
