Cat in the Wall

This is a movie that was released online via Amazon as a part of their online rollout of the 2020 SXSW Film Festival. I thought this was a great idea as I love independent film and I would love to be able to go to more film festivals. But...

What in the world was this? The directors in the beginning said they normally make documentaries, but wanted to do this one as a change of pace. And that's interesting in context because this movie felt like a documentary. But with no subject matter and no overall point. Just following the random, mundane life of someone living in Britain.

Look, I often enjoy slice of life movies. But this one was just boring. Sorry.

At first sigh, a fake-documentary about a community. Admirable realism, interesting portraits of characters , inspired option for the role of young Jojo, reasonable end. Short, image of neighborhood. But something is missing. And the poor cat, good pretext for tension, conflict and revenge, seems lost in entire story like the talks of neighbors about Brexit, past events and memories. So, maybe only a good , decent for many reasons, try.And a nice portrait of people in their vulnerabilities, not ignoring the not comfortable condition of immigrant.

Im sure I only liked this movie because Im also eastern european person living in UK and Irina's (main character) views on British society and being an immigrant are the same. So I can relate. How Brits will view this movie? probably wont like it cos there is loads of unpleasant truth about the society shown in this movie. I could make movie based on my stories and experience too ;D Before you start asking 'why are you an immigrant ' or say ' go back to your country if you dont like this one' ,well you have to choose a lesser evil, dont you ;)

This is a sorry attempt for a film. It's utterly pointless, muddled, and has no story to speak of. If you imagine you put a camera in a real flat in Peckham, then combed over the footage and edited out anything remotely interesting, you'd arrive at something like this "film". Would give 0/10 if I could do.

What I realized about half way or more through the movie, was the fact that I forgot that this was movie. The visual style the way this was edited and the narrative made me totally forget this was not a documentary. I find that a very unique touch and something worth much praise. The in depth look this movie provides to a working class environment in London, was fascinating. The small details that made us be able to take in the full picture - The windows mishap, the pee in the elevator. We can really get a felling for what their lives are like and how unfair undeserving people can be treated. That is my main takeaway from this movie. I found it very purposeful and it delivered its message well.