The Goob is a 2014 coming of age drama made by BBC Films based in Norfolk. It has a simple but engaging story that made it compelling to watch. Admittedly this is not something I went out of my way to watch, I found on TV late one night, but after watching the first ten minutes I found myself motivated to follow the story through to the end.
Liam Walpole is Goob, he has finished his last day as school and it is the summer. He returns home, which is seemingly a transport café, next to a pumpkin field. His home life is not fun thanks to his mums' new partner and his potential new stepfather Womack (Sean Harris), who has Goob's mother Janet (Sienna Guillory), under his thumb. The Goob does not like or trust Womack, he is sexist, he is a bully, a liar, and a cheat - he has caught Womack cheating on his mum for starters but keeps this to himself for fear of the wrath. After winning a local stock car race, Womack is celebrating, meanwhile Goob and his brother steal the keys and go on a joy ride which results in Goob's brother ending up in hospital for the duration of the story. As punishment, and because Womack just does not like him, Goob ends up helping more than he was aiming to with the pumpkin harvest, he had been dreaming in revelling in his free summer, and at least getting some attention from the girls at the stock car track. Instead of this he now finds himself sleeping in the pumpkin field in a make-shift hut made from palettes. As summer advances help will be needed around the site, the first recruit is a Goob's gay cousin. He is driven out because he is bringing too much fun to the area and Womack does not like that - as well, despite it being unsaid, it felt that there was a slight air of homophobia. Next a group of foreign speaking field workers are brought in. Womack tolerates them but is generally a bit of a dictator - again, it is not mentioned but it did feel like there was a tint of racism in the air. He has his eye on one of the young girls in the group called Eva, but she is already getting friendly with Goob. In fact, Goob and Eva enjoy a blossoming relationship, which Womack wants to destroy so he can have the girl. One night Womack tries it on with Eva, but Goob comes to the rescue and stands up the Womack. As a result, Goob gets a beating, which mum Janet comes to see the end of. When she tells Goob that they can make it work she has obviously decided to stick by Womack, but Goob has had enough.
The casting in this film felt authentic and raw, nobody really stands out above their station, instead they finely act out a story and each add quality elements via their performances. In the lead role is Liam Walpole as Goob comes across as simple but full of heart. He has a slow but rewarding transformation I the film going from a bit of a wet pushover, to eventually standing up for what is right. His performance was captivating considering I cannot find evidence that he has acted much before. On the other hand, the rest of the main cast all seem to have more on the CV when it comes to film and TV. As the nasty womaniser Womack, Sean Harris is great, a proper pantomime villain who I wanted to hate throughout. He delivered malice in his lock and glances, as much as he did in his actions. Sienna Guillory who I remember from "Resident Evil" films playing Jill Valentine was Goob's extremely naive and downtrodden mother, if I had not of recognise her name in the credits, I probably would not have recognised her in this. Marama Corlett is Eva and does well as the sweet field worker that Goob falls for. Other actors such as Hannah "S-Club" Spearitt and Paul Popplewell equally shine in their supporting roles, while not detracting from the theme and feel of the film.
This film felt dirty and sweaty throughout. It was a proper British kitchen sink drama, if the kitchen sink was a countryside café sink instead. It might not be as gritty and as raw as an urban landscape drama, but it lost none of the feel despite the open spaces of a Norfolk countryside setting. A lot of ism's were looked at, and although they were not all blatantly mentioned in the dialogue it felt like sexism, racism, and homophobia were mixed in with the bullying and anger issues. There are times where this was uncomfortable and hard to watch, but it was engaging, and I could not take my eyes of it.
This kind of film might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it certainly does well. I doubt it will appeal to world-wide audiences with its regional UK setting but that does not demerit the story that is being told. It is not glamourous and glitzy, although cinematographer Simon Tindall does a great job of painting the Norfolk fens as beautiful and dreamlike at times. There are some beautifully edited scenes throughout, especially when it comes to sound bridging - putting sound from one outgoing scene into another for atmosphere. Editor Adam Biskupski shows some clear skill in the output he gives this Guy Myhill written and directed film.
At about 80 minutes this will not take up too much of your time to watch, and for the most part is an enjoyable film, if not a little tough to digest at times.
0 out of 0 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
