Journeyman

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.

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.

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.

Journeyman is a near perfect film, in my opinion. It's simple, but elegant, allowing the characters to breathe and develop. It's *beautifully* acted by Paddy Considine and Jodie Whittaker, who frankly should have had awards thrown at them for the scene that you probably came to the review page to read about, and it's directed to perfection by BAFTA-winning writer and director Paddy Considine, who allows every actor to give the best performance possible and who has a great eye for framing.

Considine's career-defining performance is what will draw most people into watching Journeyman- he's nothing short of amazing- but it's Jodie Whittaker who steals the show. She's just heartbreaking, conveying the subtleties of Emma's situation masterfully. It's a remarkable, understated performance that looks effortless, and the fact that she only received an Evening Standard Award nomination for her performance in this film is just criminal. Doctor Who fans should consider themselves lucky to have her as the 13th Doctor.

Laurie Rose is the director of photography for this film, and while most of it stays focused on the characters, Journeyman is quite beautifully shot. The editing by Pia Di Ciaula is sharp, and the score and sound design are pretty good too.

Journeyman is a remarkable film: it's devastating, yet hopeful; it's beautifully acted, directed, and filmed; and it's a showcase for two of Britain's finest acting talents. Once again, Paddy Considine proves himself to be an actor, writer, and director to watch.

9.5 out of 10

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.