Keeping Rosy

I have to say I was completely blown away by this film. So affected, that this is actually my first ever review. I hadn't heard anything about it, and I'm glad I didn't. Dark, bleak and shocking, it's not an easy film to watch by any means. Superbly directed with an understated hand, the viewer is drawn into the clean, sterile and ultimately lonely world of 'Char'. Maxine Peake was just outstanding in her portrayal of a career woman, with nothing in her life but her job, and when she loses that, her life starts to spiral out of control. I usually hate 'career women are bitter and empty' type films, but not once did I not believe in her. She isn't some stereotype, but a real person, living a real life, rich in money, yet poor in the things that make life worth living. Sure, she's not a sympathetic character to start with but as she loses control she discovers her own humanity. The last minutes of the film left me open mouthed with shock, and yet oddly satisfied. Highly recommended if you like your drama nuanced, with no easy answers..

I'll just start by saying that this movie is not for the average viewer, and if you are the superficial type, always in search of a simple and comfortable state of mind, then this movie is probably not for you. A certain depth is required to understand that this is real life, and real life is not the one that the every day irresponsible or the ignorant happy-go-lucky type believes it to be.

Without giving away any specific details, it's a moving and intense story with well developed characters. It's also an atmospheric experience, dark and sad, but real and, quite frankly, I am surprised it got such a low score. Most probably people don't get this movie and then there are those who get it and are so terrified of the clarity with which this movie paints the horrible way life can spin out of control that they rate it low.

Make no mistake, this movie is good and it is clearly underrated. It delivers what it promises and it does so beautifully. Life is more often like this than the ignorant bliss people want it to be. My views may be seen as somewhat cynical. If that's the label some people put on seeing reality for what it is, then I'll take pride in being labeled as such and being taken away by good movies like this one from idiocy painted in pretty pictures.

I highly recommend it and I'm sure this one will stay with me.

Oh dear, a simple confrontation that starts an avalanche. If this had been real life, I would hate to be the policeman that has to work out what actually happened... Its an enjoyable watch, though be warned, it will give you that feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach. I enjoyed it; it was not complicated, no having to remember a whole load of characters, just a cautionary tale of someone who, when in a hole, should have stopped digging...

Oh and great acting by Maxine Peake.

Ignore all the puff pieces giving this a high rating(always do this on IMDb) I found this tense and stressful until I started to treat it as a black comedy and then it was enormous fun! Peake is at her white faced stressed best. Try to guess what's going to happen next! There's enough real London footage to give it character, and the isolation of high end loft style apartments is evident. Also the perceived sell out of Northerners betraying their roots down that there London....a treat.

This English import is a totally original script with an electric performance by Ms Peake. Steve Reeves (no relation to superman; I'm very sure he has heard that one before). does a masterful job of writing and directing. His suspense devices work very well; the elevator, the tapes, the tape worker, and others. All very well done. A wonderful script can take a film a long way. Had elements of Psycho and various other thrillers, but extremely original in almost every way. The story of a lifeless woman brought to life by a baby; if just for awhile, is really very creative. Whenever I am having a bad day, I will think of this film and what a really bad day is really like. The suspense is palatable. Not since Hitchcock have I seen an English director with such ability. An excellent production from start to finish and I am looking forward to more good work from England's finest director.