God on the Rocks

God on the Rocks is a film of contrasts and contradictions. It is set in a 1930s English seaside town and is seen through the eyes of Margaret Marsh (Rebecca Edwards), a young girl who's father (Bill Paterson) is a strict, blood and thunder lay preacher. The Marsh family's world is turned upside down with the arrival of the new housemaid Lydia (Mini Driver); a voluptuous, promiscuous young woman, who's hedonistic outlook on life horrifies Mrs Marsh, delights and disgusts Margaret and intrigues Mr Marsh. The preacher takes it upon himself to deliver Lydia from her sins, in the process, causing the rest of the family to look at themselves in a new light.

The film deals with duality: saints and sinners, the innocent and the complicit, the loyal and the fickle. Flecked with film-school symbolism and lazy comedy, the picture never really rises above the mediocre. It does, however, posses a playful charm coupled with a subtle sexual tension.

The film is beautifully shot on location in the English town of Saltburn-on-Sea and contains fine acting performances from Driver, Edwards and Paterson, but ultimately, it is tainted by a hurried ending. Although billed as a comedy, don't expect your sides to split.

It's hard to believe that Minnie Driver isn't a much huger star than she is. She's sexy, funny, and authentic in every role she plays. This TV movie is her debut, from way back in 1990. The story is set in England in the Thirties, and Minnie is perfect as an outspoken, sexy and fun-loving maid to a poor minister and his family.

GOD ON THE ROCKS is really an adorable film. On one level, it's all about how a little girl learns about life. I'm not a big fan of child actors, but the little girl in this story is perfect -- curious and shy, but also very sensible and thoughtful. The scenes between the serious, sober little girl and the warm, cheerful housemaid are a joy to watch. And the scandalized reactions of the minster's wife (the always captivating Sinead Cusack) are equally priceless.

The one thing I didn't like was that there wasn't a stronger love story for Minnie's character, Lydia. I really wanted to see some strong, stalwart, religious fellow -- young and strong, but a bit bashful perhaps -- warmed by Lydia and utterly captivated by her, and determined to make her his wife. A traditional wedding for the wild and coltish girl who adds flavor to life for everyone around her. That would have been the perfect ending to this wonderful film!