The Show

Surreal detective story packed with quirky characters which plays out half in dreamland and half in Northampton ( because why not Northampton?) To say this is a bit hard to follow would be an understatement but maybe that's the point; you're not supposed to understand it because most of it doesn't make any sense. It's still a very enjoyable watch, often hilarious, sometimes shocking, regularly disturbing. It could do with being 20 minutes shorter though. I'm really glad that there are still people willing to take artistic risks with film in these days of formulaic Hollywood blockbusters.

If this bizarre genre mash-up appeals to you, and you've watched John Waters films multiple times...then this is going to be a real treat! I wasn't familiar with any of the actors aside from Sheila Atim, who was mesmerizing in a small role, and I agree with the IGN critic who referred to Tom Burke as a bit of a low-rent Robert Pattinson, yet he and every actor were perfectly cast, alternately charming, alluring, whimsical, and eccentric. Not a moment wasted in the script; edited to perfection, but I would love to see the footage that got cut. Costumes, sets, hair and makeup were Rocky Horror Picture Show-worthy. I could see this eventually becoming a cult classic. Definitely a hidden diamond in the rough at present.

Famous comic writer Alan Moore's first film feels like one of his graphic novels. He most likely wrote a comic script and gave it to a director instead of an illustrator. The pacing is more akin to a comic book than a film. With a comic you can slow down and read it at your own pace, but with a film some things fly by too quickly and things, like the dozens of similar names and faces, can be missed. This lead to the ending not hitting like most other shocking and satisfying Moore endings, but I can see how it would play better on a rewatch. The film had probably the most realistic dream sequences in film, the nightmare scenes felt like they filmed inside an actual nightmare. Love the immense detail in the production, sound, and costume design, even with the obviously smaller budget. Great performances, even from Moore himself, and great direction from Jenkins. Definitely will play better on a rewatch.

This is a journey not a destination film. Used to be a lot of films like this. Today, not so much. That said, for its genre, it is top of class. Burke has an everyman look and attitude which Jenkins uses to advantage. The characters, all superb, are people you want to meet once in your life, but only once. Recommended.

I don't have enough drugs for this movie. Alan Moore's mind is terrifying and beautiful all rolled into one.

Give it a try, it's a strange ride. It's a very beautiful ,unusual and interesting film.