Cinema: Submarine

A few weeks ago, when we were on a ship on our way back from Newcastle, it somehow felt very appropriate to watch the film Submarine. We both had seen it before, many moons ago, and really wanted to see it a second time. So, there we were (oh, yes, and by “we” I don’t mean myself and my second personality, but I’m referring to my boyfriend), in our hut watching Submarine, while the wind was rocking the ship back and forth and I was on my second anti-travelsickness pill. It proved again to be a great and fun distraction and it almost (almost!) made me and my stomach forget I was on a ship in the middle of the North Sea.

Well, what’s it about then ‘ey?

Submarine tells the story of Oliver Tate, a quirky high schooler who is struggling with typical teenage stuff. He really wants to lose his virginity and is particularly concerned with his parents’ marriage. When he meets Jordana, a mysterious and slightly popular girl from school who shows some interest in him, he is not only determined to lose his virginity to her, but also wants to be the best boyfriend in the world. In the meantime, his mother’s ex-boyfriend (the mystic) moves in next door and threatens the already not so great relationship between his parents. How does he know “it’s not that great”? Well, the light in the bedroom has not been set on dim since his last check-up. Something has to be done!

Originally a novel (which I have not read… yet) the director Richard Ayoade took John Dunthorne’s story and turned it into a real must-see. The use of colours, perfectly aligned shots (that scene under the bridge! so nice) and British sense of humour, made this something more than just a regular coming-of-age story. At times it made me think of a Wes Anderson film, which in my eyes is a real compliment (you’re not a real hipster if you don’t like Wes Anderson. Unless you don’t like Wes Anderson because every hipster likes Wes Anderson, which makes you again, a real hipster). At the same time it also has that British “roughness” you’d expect from a film that was shot along the coast of Wales. Oliver Tate’s voice over, in which he bares his inner thoughts and clever observations, is not only very funny, but also very honest and relatable. And even though some situations are really sad, the story doesn’t get “mushy” at all. That’s what makes this ultimately, above all, a real feel good film.

Also, the soundtrack is SO GOOD. It’s perfect for a lazy rainy day inside or when you have to study and want some background music. Listen:

See? Or better said: you hear that? Even when it’ll turn out you don’t quite like the film as much as I do, you’ll still have the soundtrack to enjoy.

You also want to see the trailer?