Rent Lynn + Lucy (2019)

Strong 'kitchen sink' drama - Lynn + Lucy review by GI

A powerful British social-realist drama with tragedy and sadness at its heart. This is an impressive first film from director Fyzal Boulifa and has two excellent central performances from Roxanne Scrimshaw and Nichola Burley in the title roles. Set on a tough Essex housing estate Lynn is a housewife, who had a child at sixteen (now a young teenager), but is happy with her life mainly because her childhood bestie, Lucy, lives opposite her. Lucy is more mercurial but has recently settled down with her boyfriend and had a baby. This, in Lynn's mind, bonds them ever closer. But all is not right in Lucy's world, and the narrative hints at post natal depression and a deep dissatisfaction with her life. When a tragic event happens Lynn's security and place in the world is threatened. This is a story about community and friendship, and especially looks at where these are hollow and easily fractured. There's the strong influence of Ken Loach here and the film doesn't hold back on hinting at horrific events that affect the pillars of life these characters believe are necessary namely work, relationships, motherhood and friendship and where Lynn and Lucy believe happiness is to be found but this story shows how these can come crashing down resulting in choices that can destroy lives. With its hints at repressed sexual desire, the overriding need to feel wanted and accepted and ultimately betrayal this is a first class British 'kitchen sink' drama that is well worth checking out.