East (2011) User Reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable little indie film.

[kaypaulo · 8/10 · 21 August 2012]

This is a charming, warm-hearted little indie film about a young girl named Elva who takes her little sister Sammy and heads 'East' - on a journey to try and find her estranged mother, but finds a new and completely different relationship along the way.

'Tristant' is the lone, 47 year old recently widower-ed Frenchman they bump into, who becomes their travelling companion, guardian, and more...

These three characters make up virtually the whole cast (with just a couple of other very minor credited roles), and the whole film revolves around their interactions. Such good fortune then, that the 3 main performances are all very strong, and the on-screen chemistry between them very tangible. Credit to all three actors (and the director) for this, and I sincerely hope to see each of them in other roles in the future.

The story of the film is simple, but not lacking, as the film gently engages you with the relationship between the three characters - ultimately what the film is about. One of the most impressive things are the conversations and little moments between the characters, which are often very natural and have the feel of real life, not of a movie (which says a lot for the acting, script and direction). As a backdrop to this are several stunning locations that the characters make their way through (obviously deciding to travel by the most scenic route possible), beautifully shot; and also a simple but lovely soundtrack song, that fits and sets the mood of the film perfectly throughout, in this reviewer's humble opinion.

If I were to have one criticism it would be the film's vagueness over the main character Elva's age - a question that the film seemingly decided not to answer, but in my book is an important detail to omit - a 16 year old is not the same as an 18 year old, is not the same as a 20 year old... But that's a minor complaint. All in all the film was very moving and enjoyable, including one particularly poignant, powerful and spectacular scene involving a guitar that I can only hope finds its way onto youtube...

8/10

A good little film with solid performances and stunning locations

[claptrappers_union · 7/10 · 15 May 2012]

East is a well-directed story about a single woman's journey to a new life as she tries to find her long-lost biological mother in Holland.

With her 5 year-old sister in-tow, she attempts to earn money by busking, but she lacks self-confidence. Elva and Sammy attempt to hitch-hike, but eventually flee after awkward questions are asked by the concerned driver.

Afterwards, they meet Tristant, a welcoming 47-year-old Frenchman who can't do enough to help them. They randomly meet outside his rented Countryside Cottage and explains he is moving onto pastures new and tells a reluctant Elva that his quite happy to drive them to East towards Hull - to board a ferry to the Netherlands.

All the performances are strong given its such as small cast who feature throughout the story.

Leonora Moore stars in the film as well as writing and directing. Her performance is perfectly underplayed, enhancing some of the mystery and unravelling truths to Elva's past.

Greg Patmore plays Tristant, an outgoing yet humble widower delivering a convincing French accent. Both the characters are likable and Nancy Boo Orchis-Evans gives a credible performance for such a young actress.

Given its technical limitations, the film itself, for the most part, is beautifully shot and edited with a fitting and simple soundtrack. Most of the scenes are wonderfully composed, telling the story with picturesque photography of the English Countryside and it's winding roads used as its backdrop.

As the story unfolds, the more engaged you get with the characters and you start to wonder if there are any hidden motives or agendas. Elva and Tristant develop a bond and start to encounter various inevitable themes such as friendship, honesty, aspirations, lust and rejection.

If I had one technical criticism, it would be the occasional too-wobbly-hand-held setups in the smaller spaces - such as car interiors and those pokey-enclosed-indoor locations – but I think it can be forgiven as it doesn't spoil the narrative - and the other 90% of the film looks really nice.

What I also liked about East was some of the brave editorial decisions. There is one particular scene that seems to last an eternity, all done in one static shot. It features Elva letting out frustration - smashing her guitar. Scenes like this are Marmite when it comes to audiences, but given the context and style of the preceding scenes, I think it works, especially when it involves such a young actress in the shot too. I think Moore deserves some credit for her judgement, as many other directors would cut the scene down… but I personally like it.

Overall I think it's good little piece, obviously made with a skeleton crew with a small budget but I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. It's unhurried pace, many calm and some uncomfortable scenes may not appeal to a broader audience, but if you appreciate solid acting, good characters, scenic landscapes and an emotionally unfolding story, you will like East.