Review of What Richard Did (2012) by Dorian S — 23 Apr 2013

In the summer before going to university, Richard (the superb Jack Reynor) has the admiration of his peers, but, like many teens, his confidence is a veneer for his insecurities. Cracks start to appear when he begins a romance with Lara (Rosin Murphy) and becomes jealous of her ex, Conor (Sam Keeley). Suspicion sets in and after an argument at a party the situation degenerates as Richards life spirals out of control.

After ragtag comedy Adam and Paul, director Lenny Abrahamson turns his attention to the subject of middle class teens with fascinating results. Abrahamson portrays adolescents as naïve adults rather than petulant children, broadening the appeal towards the over 30s. They teeter on the cusp of maturity but are hindered by inexperience and stumble down destructive avenues.

His achievement is to turn these banal lives into high drama. These characters aren't quirky, sardonic, movie-types. They are unremarkable people you would have known at school or at university. He makes it gripping by engaging us in the familiar.

An examination everyone will understand, What Richard Did? hinges on the performances of a cast of little known faces. Abrahamson uses the over-extended pause to great effect and his camera never intrudes upon the actors. This vérité style allows the young cast to be free of self-conscience tension. There are some scenes that verge on overreaching, but Jack Reynor's talent manages to create truly affecting moments (a scene with Richard alone in a living room erupts into a release of torment and guilt).

What Richard Did? can be seen as an allegory for the economic crisis due to the implosion of the Irish bourgeoisie. However, I prefer to view it as cautionary tale of young love and the difficulties of adolescence.