Film Reviews by Jill from London

Andrea Arnold beautifully captures America that's usually unseen. Shot in academy ratio which enhances the focus of the story of an 18 year old woman, her vulnerability and strength. She is trapped by circumstance, by others, by society - within the frame - and we will her to break free.

The performances from unprofessional actors are fantastic - lost souls wandering through the sublime and mundane landscapes of the USA. Arnold allows their free spirits to make a life enhancing movie despite the grinding poverty and narrow middle class lives we witness.

Don't be daunted by 1hr 40 mins. I loved it.

The film was made and released (2007) just before the Celtic Tiger died. It captures a person, time and place profoundly but unwittingly affected by outside forces. Beautifully shot and cast with a script and direction that is understated and cinematic, the film's apparent simplicity belies considerable depth in the sympathetic development of Josie's character. I have seen some good Irish films in recent years but none better than this.