The Escape

Wow, this an excellent portrayal of depression, and I'm sure it'll resonate with so many mothers/wives out there. It is so good, so realistic and recognisable, it was very difficult to watch at times. Gemma Arterton should be applauded for her work here.

Unfortunately I felt the narrative too simplistic and the ending unsatisfying. They've also gone for minimal dialogue, which whilst I'm sure some would argue you don't need as everything is written on their faces, I personally found it much too minimal.

In summary - amazing and moving portrayal of depression and helplessness in the acting, but ultimately a not wholly satisfying film to watch. 7/10

The Escape is a very slow movie. I believe this should be the first thing to keep in mind if you are going to watch it. On the other hand, it is an incredibly deep movie with a real focus on characters, feelings and emotions. You can actually feel the pain and the sorrow, and even if you do not agree with the choices of Tara, you canot avoid to suffer with her.

Not the best movie of the year, but for sure a good option to explore a little bit more the human nature of couples.

Having a model family and a high life status doesn't always make you happy. Because apparently having a happy relationship lies on the chemistry you have with the other person. And the chemistry here in this woman's marriage is certainly lacking. I feel even if she weren't depressed the lack of chemistry would make this marriage doomed. And yes not everyone is made for parenting and for those who don't have the right partner things can become unbearable. Is there a way out? Our heroine finds one. But not totally costless...

Gemma Arterton's performance was wonderful in this film. She summed up her feelings and thoughts perfectly and even triggered my own feelings in regards to depression. It was very moving and difficult to watch at times. Slow burned to create feelings of tension building up inside her.

Shallow as I am, I don't normally watch films that score less than 6 on IMDb but what did strike me was the mismatch between critic and user reviews for this extremely well acted, occasionally uncomfortable and moving film. It essentially explores a failing marriage between a complex, unfulfilled and deeply unhappy woman and a dysfunctionally loving, essentially shallow and selfish man.

Dominic Cooper is excellent in a charismatic but unsympathetic role but the movie really belongs to Gemma Arterton, who is mesmerising in a clearly raw and challenging role and one that appears close to her heart. I've seen her in several TV and film roles, most recently in Summerland and the BBCs excellent short story lockdown set series Unprecedented and she never fails to impress, but does so particularly in this.

As a study of depression, absolute desperation, unfulfillment and a yearning for something more in a marriage that is breaking down, it will strike an uncomfortable chord with many people in troubled relationships. A sometimes difficult watch but well worth seeking out, particularly for the performances.