Review of Somers Town (2008) by James-Masaki R — 23 Jul 2012

Originally started as a short film financed by Eurostar as a promotional vehicle for travel, ended up being a semi-long film barely including the Eurostar train. But even with the Eurostar being only a 'cameo' for the beginning and end, it still makes an impact enough as a very long commercial.

Don't think that this is just one long commercial though. It's still a black and white film about a kid from the Midlands who runs away to London, and meets a Polish kid who loves photography.

The two kids, being slight outcasts and no clear direction in life, they are the main focus and the weight of their relationship carries the film, and it is actually quite light. They are not well defined.

Even with their backstories told, there are a lot of empty holes. And somehow, it's a perfectly good balance between characters that you know too much, and not enough. Brilliant. It's no wonder Shane Meadows is one of my favorite directors.