Review of Fish Tank (2009) by Luke H — 31 Oct 2011

A gritty, realistic and completely involving urban drama set in a low-income London Estate, which cleverly, un-sensationally and believably deals with a teenager's burgeoning sexuality. Character driven, the film makes some unexpected but truthful turns as Mia (Katie Jarvis) finds herself becoming attracted to her mother's boyfriend (Michael Fassbender).

Andrea Arnold directs with skill, assurance and subtlety, letting the actors breathe and for the most part keeping shots in single takes. The 4:3 framing is an unusual choice that works well, and coupled with some carefully placed uses of slow-motion the film has a language all its own, in much the same way as the films of Terrence Malick.

The performances are a wonder - natural, improvised-feeling and un-self-conscious, and the social commentary is, as with everything else, suggested rather than signposted. Fish Tank is brilliant film-making.