Originally drawn to this film by a ticket contest boasting Ben Stiller’s involvement (his role is producer, with a brief cameo), I was pleased to find that 1) it is British (always better), and 2) it is the first feature film written and directed by a one Richard Ayoade of the hi-larious British sitcom The IT Crowd (please watch this immediately).   Much British-enamored excitement continued when I received my pass in an e-mail claiming that Ayoade would be attending the Chicago screening for a Q & A.
I must say – it’s been a long time since I truly loved a movie, but Submarine, based on Joe Dunthorne’s novel by the same title, has broken the streak. The quirky coming-of-age tale narrated by the unique voice of protagonist Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) pulls viewers into a strangely timeless whirlwind of all that makes up adolescence. Oliver battles school bullying troubles – of which at times, he is reluctantly the bully not the bullied – and girl problems with his bold and eccentric love interest Jordana Bevan (Yasmin Paige), a young woman with troubles of her own, trying oh-so hard to exist as an anti-cliché.  When his mother’s mullet-clad ex-boyfriend Graham Purvis (Paddy Considine, in one of the best roles he or anyone will ever play in a movie) moves in next door and begins steps to re-seduction, Oliver must convince his awkward, apathetic father to care. Will his preoccupied adolescent hopes and desires cost him happiness and the possible love of his life?
Typical teenage problems with mildly interesting drama – I know, it sounds like an overdone snoozer. But Submarine has a lot to say. Ayoade overtones the flick with his own inspiring style – eloquent filming, aesthetic colors, and the perfect soundtrack of subtle, M. Ward-esque original songs by Artic Monkey’s songwriter Alex Turner – and the actors truly take their roles and dive straight into the ocean with them.
Even more impressing was Ayoade’s post-screening discussion, where his humble, intellectual responses had me laughing more than the film itself (which was already quite a lot). If clever British humor sounds like your cup-o-tea, please do yourself a favor and find this movie – even if it means a bit of a drive. Submarine will be in U.S. theaters as a limited release beginning today.
