basics...
Directed by Andrea Arnold, who I know from the very good Red Road, Fish Tank is a 'kitchen sink' drama about 15 year old Mia (Katie Jarvis), a disaffected 'chav' who slowly falls for her bitchy mother's new boyfriend, Connor (Michael Fassbender).
brilliant...
I always find it hard to put into words what I like about these very British sorts of films. The characters are very often from an unlikable social group, the language would make a sailor blush, and generally not a lot happens. Fish Tank is so well crafted though, with characters you care about, and believable situations draw you into these small, personal dramas. Jarvis, who'd never acted before this film, is an excellent lead, she puts an emotional gloss on the chavvy bravado that would normally put me off such a character (on screen or in real life). It also helps that she's supported by the delicious Michael Fassbender, who I find has an odd sort of attraction and is magnetic on screen (get the Magneto pun? oh). Arnold lets the budding crush develop slowly, and it builds to a will they won't they where you hope that either/both character has the good sense not to jeopardise the friendship. And then it all goes pear-shaped and a few revelations and disappointments towards the end make your heart yearn for a bit of good luck for Mia.
A welcome addition to British cinema that is anchored by a pair of likable, sympathetic leads.
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