Here And Now
Starring: Andy Rush, Lauren Johns
Director: Lisle Turner
Rating: 3.5/5
If you are looking for something that is not a big budget blockbuster this week, then look no further than Here and Now.
Here and Now is a British indie film that has been winning over audiences on the festival circuit - and it really is a super charming watch.
The film will introduce us to new acting talents Andy Rush and Lauren Johns, while Lisle Turner is making his feature film directorial debut with this project.
Inner-city girl Grace doesn't want to spend a week in the country helping her parents save their marriage. Country boy Say finds Grace both obnoxious and attractive.
Amongst the scenic grandeur of the dying days of summer, the pair search for distraction and, against all odds, find each other.
We seem to have been bombarded with a huge amount of summer blockbusters in recent weeks, and I have to say that Here and Now is a welcome change as well as a breath of fresh air.
First and foremost, I have to heap praise on the two leads Andy Rush and Lauren Johns, as they both turn in terrific performances: you would never know that they are so inexperienced when it comes to feature film.
Rush really is an acting talent to watch out for as he takes on the role of Say. Say is a character who doesn't say all that much, and yet Rush superbly gets across what the character is thinking and feeling with using very little dialogue: a major skill indeed.
Say is perfectly contrasted by the character of Grace, a loud and lively city girl. Johns brings bags of energy to the role, and she delivers a performance that you really cannot take your eyes off.
Turner must be applauded for putting so much faith into this young and inexperienced acting pair - it is a gamble that really does pay off. There is something incredibly real and natural about their relationship and this really helps push the film and the story forward.
The most striking aspect of this movie is the countryside backdrop. Shot all on location in Herefordshire, the countryside almost become a character in its own right, as Turner and cinematographer Will Humphris have captured it so beautifully.
There is nothing new to the boy meets girl, boy and girl initially don't get on, boy and girl fall in love story, but it is the charm of this film that will really win you over.
This is a first love coming of age story, which explores those 'difficult' teenage years and the trials and tribulations these two characters are experiencing.
There is something in the story that we can all relate to, and there is something about that simplicity that will sweep you away.
Here and Now is out now.