The Escape

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.

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.

Let me start this review by saying I've never wanted children. I've never understood the societal pull for having children. Bearing in mind I'm a 48 year old man, this film gave me further confirmation that I've made the right life choice in that regard. What I loved about this film was that it confronted fears and actions rarely seen in film - that of a wife and mother needing more to life than simply giving and not taking. A wife who looks after her two children. A wife who looks after her husband. There must be more to life than being a wife and mother? Or indeed a husband and father. The Eacape was a morally complex and thought provoking film that's rarely seen - questioning the very idea of the norms of society. We all need structure. We all need love. But sometimes that's not enough. 7 out of ten.

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...