Pete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete's desire to find a spiritual an... Read allPete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete's desire to find a spiritual answer to life's meaning, Jay's desperate need not to get hurt again, and Tom and Claire's e... Read allPete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete's desire to find a spiritual answer to life's meaning, Jay's desperate need not to get hurt again, and Tom and Claire's ever increasing mutual attraction.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 1 nomination total
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Featured reviews
Life Just Is taps into a particular moment that has been a source of inspiration for a huge number of storytellers--the strange, uncertain time between entering adulthood and fully adjusting to your new position in life. More than the temporal, however, this film focuses on a certain emotional transition that might happen at any time: the period in which one comes to terms with oneself as a flawed and developing human being, and accepts the inevitably of change as a component of growth. There were moments in this film in which I recognized myself without even wanting to. It's a movie that's unafraid of trying something difficult and being earnest. Especially for a viewer who is humble enough to laugh at themselves, Life Just Is provides moments of identification and genuine sweetness.
If you are expecting a fast moving rom com then this is not the film for you but it is a really enjoyable gentle exploration of the characters. There is bound to be at least one character that you relate to. The script is great and there are some very funny lines in it. The party scene is particularly funny.
This is an independent film, made on a tight budget which is a great achievement and the cast are fantastic.
Go with an open mind and I am sure that you will enjoy this!
Life Just Is tells the tale of five twenty-somethings who, having recently graduated, struggle to adapt or even understand their new adult lives. Each one has to face a different reality and dilemmas that life throws at them. The dialogue has far more depth than it may seem, as our five protagonists discuss life's great mysteries, as death and religion. Relationships, racism and anxiety are also themes tackled by story, sometimes in subtle strokes that give the film a clever plot. The characters are compelling and easy to identify with, as the cast are packed with talented young actors.
The look may seem simplistic to the untrained eye, but it is clear that Alex Barrett put much thought on the natural light and framing. You can feel the influence of directors as diverse as Mike Leigh and Kevin Smith, as Barrett makes a well structured story seem easy and down to earth. The exploration of one's early adult life is not taken lightly, although the film is filled with some very funny jokes.
Made under a micro budget, it is a triumph of independent British cinema. No wonder it got a Michael Powell nomination for Best British Film. I would definitely recommend it.
The film was an extremely brave approach for director Alex Barrett who was on such a tight budget for his first ever feature film! It was beautifully shot through the aesthetic of the 7D and the lighting brought extra glamour to the shots and characters. The absence of soundtrack makes it evermore intense and authentic, "Life Just Is" as the title so clearly states!
Very 'French New Wave' with a contemporary young, good-looking and fun cast, mixed with an emotional tone which brought tears (good and bad ones) to the audience.
Do watch!
Did you know
- SoundtracksSTARLIGHT SERENADE
Written by John Elleson-Hartley
Published by NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd
Used with permission.
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $2,200
- Runtime1 hour 42 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1 / (high definition)