BFI LFF - Quick Reviews, Day 1: Saltburn, Essex Girl & Area Boy
Excited to be back at the BFI London Film Festival for another year, celebrating Black and Black Mixed Talent On and Off Screen. The first of many quick fire reviews, we have Saltburn, Essex Girl and Area Boy . Remember to check out my watchlist here which focuses on amplifying the Black and Black Mixed talent showcasing and/or featuring at this years BFI LFF, organised by events.
Saltburn
★★★★
Feature Film | The first watch at the BFI LFF. A psychological thriller about upper class / aristocrat psychopaths and a very clever man. The first words that come to mind are bizarre, mad, disgusting, funny, mind boggling, bonkers, unbelievably hot, and absolutely mental. Barry Keoghan is powerhouse - he leads with a captivating phenomenal performance with an incredible ensemble cast supporting. Absolutely hilarious at points, great comedic timing. I can’t believe what I watched truly. Watching with a full audience is top tier >>
It felt like there were things to be discovered - but never fully explored, just entertained. I do love me a 1:1.
Essex Girl
★★★★★ Thank you. I felt seen and resonated.
“I don’t think he likes girls like me”
I need this explored further. A feature is needed.
Short Film | Essex Girl is a coming-of-age film that dissects Black British girlhood and female friendships in the era of BBM Pins and leave outs. It explored Blackness outside of London, while also challenging the Essex girl stereotype. I rarely ever see Black British girls depicted like this on screen, it’s always a stereotype. The closet I’ve seen is Amara in Everything I Know About Love, which explores similar storyline as Essex Girls. This show I need a second season pleaseeeee.
This can be watched on BFI Player for Free here
Area Boy
★★1/2
Short Film | Explores life, navigating two worlds that just don't seem to merge and trying to fit yourself in them.Sometimes we don't need words, we just need the space to explore and Area Boy did that. It kinda lost me 3/4 way in for a moment.
I appreciate the quiet moments where we try to figure ourselves out.