Review of Fish Tank (2009) by Sindri — 20 Feb 2011

Lyrical social drama - Andrea Arnold's second feature is a throbbing and turbulent contemporary drama from one of Britain's less appealing suburbs that tells the story about 15 year old Mia, a vital and somewhat bewildered girl living on a council estate in Essex, England with her mother and little sister Tyler, which she argues more than talks to. Mias rebellious personality has made her more or less friendless and the only thing that gives her confidence is her passion for dancing, but the day her mother introduces her daughters for her new boyfriend Connor life opens new doors for Mia. Andrea Arnold returns after her uncompromising debut "Red Road" (2006) and shows her talent for social realistic storytelling. With consistent hand-held camera movements and intimately focus on the main character Arnold creates an accomplished character study that feels like it takes place in real time. The most obvious change from Arnold's film style in "Red Road" is the use of color. Othervise the witted dialog, the long takes, the variations in pace, the frequent use of close-ups, the authentic depictions of milieu, the versatile perspectives and Andrea Arnold's characteristic fascination for town blocks are still present. Arnold is clearly inspired by Ken Loach and her story about the alienated teenage girl that discovers her sexuality while she's looking for foothold in a cynical world is reminiscent of films such as Lynne Ramsay's "Ratcatcher" (1999), Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's "Rosetta" (1999), Catherine Hardwike's "Thirteen" (2003) and Cate Shortland's "Somersault" (2004).

"Fish Tank" is social realism in it's purest form and a powerful coming-of-age tale about a fierce stubborn girl that persistently keeps alive her dream of becoming a professional dancer despite the fact the her reality makes her dream look like an illusion. Andrea Arnolds heroine is emotionally distant, covers her feelings behind a rouge image and articulates in a disrespectful and hostile way. The pitiless reality she lives in has hardened her and placed at dark cloud over her prospects. Debutant Katie Jarvis gives everything she's got in the role as Mia, goes the distance and creates a multifaceted character portrayal that's full of attitude. Many of the films finest, most honest and most intense moments manifests in the scenes between Jarvis and Michael Fassbender "The Hunger" (2008). "Fish Tank" is a gritty depiction of society that explores strong topics, but in-between all this gravity Arnold turns the camera towards natures gracefulness and gives the viewer a little breathing space from the concentrated realism that makes the few rays of hope seem like utopia. This is a lyrical film about breaking free from ones own limitations and find ones own identity.