The Escape

The Escape is a very slow movie. I believe this should be the first thing to keep in mind if you are going to watch it. On the other hand, it is an incredibly deep movie with a real focus on characters, feelings and emotions. You can actually feel the pain and the sorrow, and even if you do not agree with the choices of Tara, you canot avoid to suffer with her.

Not the best movie of the year, but for sure a good option to explore a little bit more the human nature of couples.

Shallow as I am, I don't normally watch films that score less than 6 on IMDb but what did strike me was the mismatch between critic and user reviews for this extremely well acted, occasionally uncomfortable and moving film. It essentially explores a failing marriage between a complex, unfulfilled and deeply unhappy woman and a dysfunctionally loving, essentially shallow and selfish man.

Dominic Cooper is excellent in a charismatic but unsympathetic role but the movie really belongs to Gemma Arterton, who is mesmerising in a clearly raw and challenging role and one that appears close to her heart. I've seen her in several TV and film roles, most recently in Summerland and the BBCs excellent short story lockdown set series Unprecedented and she never fails to impress, but does so particularly in this.

As a study of depression, absolute desperation, unfulfillment and a yearning for something more in a marriage that is breaking down, it will strike an uncomfortable chord with many people in troubled relationships. A sometimes difficult watch but well worth seeking out, particularly for the performances.

Gemma Arterton's performance was wonderful in this film. She summed up her feelings and thoughts perfectly and even triggered my own feelings in regards to depression. It was very moving and difficult to watch at times. Slow burned to create feelings of tension building up inside her.

Well everyone is talking about Gemma Arterton's acting being so spot on but I beg to differ. She seem to time and again loose the sense of the character she's playing. She seem to act more like a wife who is in a forced marriage where her husband is taking advantage of her and using her as sex object. Her husband played by Dominic Cooper's acting is similar specially during sex scenes.

Artherton plays a mum, daughter and wife going through depression and wanting more. Most women will be able to relate to her situation and how she feels. Trying to keep a smile on her face through her every day but feeling exceptionally unhappy, she runs away to France to seek a new life whilst still living with the depression and guilt of leaving her life behind. Will she return to her unhappy life or start over again elsewhere?

This is a poignant film that leave you feeling sorry for all involved.