It used to be that quirky comedies were few and far between. Now, any teenage story seems to have that quirky element and either completely misses the mark or hits it out of the park. (Hey, that rhymes!) Anyway, Submarine hits it out of the park. Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts, Jane Eyre) is an average teenager struggling with his parents failing relationship and his own quest for one. Instead of Oliver being a combination of quirky characteristics, he’s more just a teenager with basic problems.
Richard Ayoade, previously known for directing music videos, makes a spectacular feature film debut by combining reality with the world of Oliver Tate. The film takes place in Wales and what I enjoyed most was how every scene was like a frame of a photograph without being too deliberate. It is very visual and enjoyable to watch even without anything happening.
Craig Roberts, in his first lead role in a feature film, manages to play Oliver as vulnerable yet flawed. Oliver makes bad choices and he knows they aren’t right, but can’t help it. This is nothing groundbreaking, it happens in nearly ever teenage comedy, but this is presented in a way that is sometimes uncomfortable and allows you to identify with Oliver as he’s doing it, knowing he’ll regret it.
Craig Roberts as Oliver Tate and Yasmin Paige as Jordana in Richard Ayoade's film SUBMARINE Photo by: Dean Rogers/ The Weinstein Company
Oliver pursues Jordana (Yasmin Paige), and she’s not your typical love interest in the sense that she too is flawed. She’s not the most popular girl, yet she’s also not an outcast. She also makes bad decisions and although we don’t get a full glimpse into her reasons, it’s easy to see her vulnerabilities and identify with her.
Oliver’s parents, Lloyd and Jill, are played sweetly and subtlety by Noah Taylor (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky). Even though their marriage is on the rocks (as evidenced by Oliver’s sleuthing) they are each yearning to connect with one another again. The subplot weaves gently into Oliver’s as he tries desperately to bring them together even if it means putting his own life on hold. Graham T. Purvis (Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ulimatum) provides great comedic support as Jill’s former boyfriend who has moved in next door.
Craig Roberts as Oliver Tate and Noah Taylor as Lloyd in Richard Ayoade's film SUBMARINE Photo by: Dean Rogers/ The Weinstein Company
The score by Andrew Hewitt (Cuckoo) and songs by Alex Turner (Artic Monkeys) are a wonderful undercurrent that give a nostalgic yet modern tone to the film. This is going to be a great soundtrack.
The film is a delight for anyone who’s ever been a teenager. It’s slow in some places and some may say it’s too quirky, but I really feel it’s able to use that quirkiness as an element and provide a better story. It’s yet another example of a independent film that deserves a wider audience.
Submarine is in limited release on June 3rd.
Rating: A feel good film that doesn’t try so hard. 8/10
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