The Escape

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.

Wow, this an excellent portrayal of depression, and I'm sure it'll resonate with so many mothers/wives out there. It is so good, so realistic and recognisable, it was very difficult to watch at times. Gemma Arterton should be applauded for her work here.

Unfortunately I felt the narrative too simplistic and the ending unsatisfying. They've also gone for minimal dialogue, which whilst I'm sure some would argue you don't need as everything is written on their faces, I personally found it much too minimal.

In summary - amazing and moving portrayal of depression and helplessness in the acting, but ultimately a not wholly satisfying film to watch. 7/10

Having a model family and a high life status doesn't always make you happy. Because apparently having a happy relationship lies on the chemistry you have with the other person. And the chemistry here in this woman's marriage is certainly lacking. I feel even if she weren't depressed the lack of chemistry would make this marriage doomed. And yes not everyone is made for parenting and for those who don't have the right partner things can become unbearable. Is there a way out? Our heroine finds one. But not totally costless...

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.

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.