Everything

For those of us who continue to wave the flag for British cinema, perennially undermined by poor scripts or craven overtures to the States, maintaining such respect is very often like trying to love a puppy that keeps crapping on the duvet. So it's a joy when you stumble across a no-budget homegrown sporting great writing, even better performances – and which doesn't compromise to anyone.

Winstone is the mystery john who visits Naomi the prostitute (a terrific debut from Graveson) over 9 consecutive days (the film was shot in 9 days too), without once soliciting sex. He just wants to talk; to find out why she does what she does. On the penultimate day, he even brings a Monopoly set round.

If the climax doesn't come as a surprise exactly, the emotional impact remains intact, aided by heartfelt, beautifully understated performances from the cast, including Winstone's real-life daughter. See it.

Just back from seeing this low-budget UK film, written and directed by Richard Hawkins and starring Jan Graveson as Naomi (a prostitute in a dirty room in London) and Ray Winstone as Richard (a mysterious character who only wants to visit Naomi to talk, play cards and ask questions).

Filmed in very dark and cramped conditions, 'Everything' is claustrophobic and seedy from the start, but starts with much more potential than it actually fulfils. I could see the 'twist' coming from a long way away, although I can't fault the central characterisations of performances of Winstone and Graveson. It could have just been a little bit more off the wall than it is.

I really enjoyed this film and the acting was brilliant throughout with some outstanding performances. The storyline is completely original and excels by not allowing the plot to grind to a halt. Ray winstone as always is excellent and proves what a versatile actor he is by playing this role. His daughter's role is executed well and I believe she is destined for better things. Gritty in places and all in all a very good film which deserves to be seen by anyone who likes a drama with some substance behind it. Even though the film is about prostitution this is not portrayed in a gratuitous way so anyone looking for that should go elsewhere. The actress playing the ageing prostitute plays it to amazing effect and her role is kept fresh and you feel like you are sitting in the room with them as the film evolves.

I'm just home from seeing this film at Sydney's Film Festival (2005) and have to say I was very impressed. It was especially rewarding to have the director (Richard Hawkins) in attendance for Q&A after the film.

The performances were captivating, the suspense was just right (you never lost interest but weren't overly stressed either) and the setting utterly believable. (NB: the locations were real, not sets).

The two main characters, although unusual, were validated by excellent dialogue and acting (Winstone and Graveson). And the story was interesting and very moving.

I always think the measure of a good film is when I'm not aware of the audience or the chair I'm sitting in. I'm happy to say I was oblivious to both.

On the downside, various jerky zooms reminded me that there was actually a camera involved and prevented complete immersion in the story outside of the storytelling. But it is nevertheless astonishingly impressive to see what a small budget ($47,500) and an enthusiastic writer/director can achieve in a 9 day shoot!

This is a tense and intelligent film that deals with a difficult subject. It gives a realistic portrayal of a sex workers life as she comes into contact with Richard played by Ray Winstone. He is deeply troubled by something he won't or can't reveal, but he persists regardless of the cost to himself. She can only reply with the manners and behaviours of her trade. A very uneasy alliance develops which refreshingly avoids the usual clichés.

Winstone's character's torment is palpable, its all there under the surface. It takes a while for the point of the plot to emerge but its worth the wait. There is a sub-plot however that doesn't quite resolve adequately. Generally dark and claustrophobic in tone it is leavened with earthy humour. A good solid independent film.