Submarine

Not many coming of age dramas are set in Wales, unless we are counting some historians interpretations of Arthurian legend. Submarine, directorial debut for comic actor turned independent film aficionado Richard Ayoade, sees 15 year old Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts), search for love or loss of virginity, ultimately to complete both in the course of events.

Tortured genius or just plain maladroit, Oliver seeks teenage-romance with the enigmatic Jordana. Courting consists of bullying pranks, lighting fireworks and petty vandalism – I guess Thatcher’s Wales had little to offer.

Submarine’s charm stems from Roberts acerbic delivery on key lines and ability to lead a film through pathos and amusement. ‘My mum gave a hand-job to a mystic’, being his retort for abandoning his love, Jordana, in her time of crisis.

But the ultimate accolade has to go to Ayoade for his ability to shoot a film which gives Swansea a quality of romantic nostalgia; piers and puddles add to the sinking quality of the narrative in a way which is subtle and effective. Metaphors, also, don’t seem forced as loss of love leads to depression and a sinking feeling (even if an indie film staple – think Zach Braff’s Garden State).

Underlying this quality story telling is the real gem of Submarine; Alex Turner’s soundtrack. A fantastic poetic lift to the narrative with lines so crisp (‘It’s like you’re to get to heaven in a hurry’) the audience are asked to sit and reflect on scenes as the panoramic shots of rain splattered hills moves you from one vignette to the next. A terrific film.