Review of Submarine (2011) by Wayne L — 25 Aug 2011

The movies about male teenage virgins are becoming uncountable. This is an intellectual version, which doesn't mean it's really good.

Wales in the early 80s. Oliver Tate has reached maturity intellectually and can already say lots of things few people will ever say, even if they live for 300 years. His emotional development is however normal for his age. Like all teenage male virgins this of course makes him a total nerd.

But meeting a girl triggers Oliver. Not in the relation towards her, but towards his parents. Everything this boy mentally experiences in his relation is mirrored in his parents.

But there are just too many levels here and the director Richard Ayoade can't keep it all together and it would have been to much to ask for that from such a young actor as Craig Roberts. His performance goes through the text most of the time. This film is charming, but takes a too big burden upon itself.