Three out of
Five stars
Running time:
85 mins
A low budget British comedy drama with a peculiar tale at its heart, Black Pond boasts an adventurous narrative style and a number of good performances but ultimately tries a little too hard to be kooky and offbeat.
What’s it all about?
Black Pond is the debut feature of British directors Tom Kingsley and Will Sharpe, and stars Chris Langham in his first role since his release from prison. Part family drama, part faux-documentary, the film focuses on the Thompson family, who at the start of the film stand accused of murder after a stranger dies at their dinner table. The focus then moves onto the story behind the tabloid headlines following Tom (Chris Langham), who, whilst walking his three-legged dog, befriends the affable but odd Blake (Colin Hurley). Having invited the stranger home for a cup of tea, Blake also befriends his wife Sophie (Amanda Hadingue) and ends up staying with them. But after the family dog perishes in a nearby pond, Blake’s behaviour becomes increasingly weird.
The Good
With its impressive cast list, peculiar narrative and its adventurous hybrid style Black Pond is certainly an ambitious, if flawed debut. Langham fits the bill as the jocular ‘my life may be tedious but at least I have a swimming pool’ retiree – his droll but morose voice well suited for the character’s witty asides. Along with Hadingue as his life-weary wife, their portrayal of a couple unsure where their lives are headed after their kids have left home, anchors what otherwise could easily be a ludicrous tale. The pivotal scenes with Hurley as the stranger who arrives in their house and never quite leaves are especially well-handled, hitting the right note between awkward and bizarre.
The Bad
While the faux-documentary talking head scenes are well executed, they only serve to drain the narrative of any suspense. The plot is somewhat overloaded – especially as the film drifts away to focus on the daughters (Anna O’Grady and Helen Cripps in particularly under-written parts) and their insular friend Tim.
In addition, a role for Simon Astell as Tim’s oddball psychotherapist only seems to exist in order for the comedian to show off his loopy humour. Clearly emulating Wes Anderson’s style of filmmaking with its use of animation and a soft guitar-strumming-filled soundtrack (not to mention that other Anderson trademark - depressed protagonists) Black Pond often tries that little bit too hard to be quirky.
Worth seeing?
Black Pond is an adventurous offering from first-time directors on a small budget. The performances – in particular Langham’s – are the film’s biggest draw but it’s a shame that the script isn’t as amusing as it wants (or needs) to be.