Journeyman

Journeyman is a great emotional experience that focuses more on the family life of a boxer rather than the boxing itself. Paddy Considine's direction is great and his performance as well as Jodie Whitaker's are both incredible. However, the fight itself isn't that well filmed and lacks the weight and impact it needs but the drama and acting in the rest of the film is good enough to overcome this flaw.

A really different boxing film, so much so that the boxing is barely the focus. Journeyman is very much a drama, not a sports film, as you follow the journey of a professional boxer recovering from a brain injury. It is difficult to watch at times and can get emotional, and this is driven by brilliant performances from the two leads. There isn't a whole lot to the plot, don't be expecting a sudden burst of excitement, but it is a slow build testing the depths of a man and his relationship with his family.

Very moving film brilliantly acted and directed by Paddy Considine.

The story begins with World Champion Matty Burton (Considine) and the build-up to his fight with brash, unbeaten and mouthy prospect Andre Bryte (Anthony Welsh). Supporting Burton is his wife, Emma (amazing Jodie Whittaker), and the two have a young child together. The opening montage establishes Burton's life showing he has everything to fight for including: family, friends, pride, career and community.

After the fight in the ring Considine and Whittaker take centre stage in a deeply moving portrait of a family coming apart due to tragic circumstances. Their performances as two characters battling to stay in love, together and just fighting to keep going is remarkable. There are so many startling scenes and moments which punch and wind you; this story moved me beyond words.

To my surprise, 'Journeyman (2018)' isn't so much a typical 'boxing film' as it is an unexpectedly realistic and heart-wrenching examination of how a single, blindsiding moment can change your life, for the worse, forever. It's also an exploration of one of the darker, less emphasised sides of a sport in which the participants consistently receive blows to the head, any one of which could end their careers or, worse, their lives (either as they know them or entirely). The film really is powerful. It's sobering stuff delivered through a phenomenal, award-worthy central performance and an incredibly nuanced, tactile screenplay that never feels heightened or 'Hollywood', instead feeling pretty much 'real' and incredibly raw right the way through. I was totally taken by surprise and on the edge of my seat throughout, watching through gritted teeth and teary eyes. It truly is brilliant, unbelievably compelling work, even if it isn't always easy to sit through. 8/10.

This is a beautiful film - peppered with moments of humour and breathtaking moments of shock. The use of music is inspiring (Nick Cave amongst the most wrenching) and Considine is a thoughtful and innovative director. I was fortunate enough to be at the screening where he attended for a Q&A and he spoke about the set being the actors' house and how they all feel comfortable and safe. And it shows. Jodie Whittaker is striking in her performance and all the supporting cast shine rather than simply be there. It is a shame that Paddy doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He spoke about turning up for films where he was disappointed in his part and the people he was working with - he is "in films for five pages" whilst we get the Hiddlestons and Redmaynes shoved at us. We should focus on the Paddy Considines and Stephen Grahams a lot more. A lovely, thoughtful and ultimately very moving story beautifully played out by craftsmen.