Another Year

What's it all about? An exploration of a married couple and their friends and family , whom all seem to suffer a degree of unhappiness. 

Starring? Jim Broadbent , Ruth Sheen , Lesley Manville 

Do not be fooled as I was by the start , as deep down director/ writer Mike Leigh has created something bleakly depressing. Another Year , as the title suggests, follows the lonely struggle of growing old  ; so naturally ,as a teenager, this is not a subject as to which I entirely relate. To begin the film moved slowly , managing to allude a sense of charm whilst lacking a concise plot. Alas , the charm was soon mistaken as the story took a turn for the worse and became one of the bleakest films I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.   The despair almost seemed pointless , it had not saddened me , it had simply suppressed any feelings I had reminiscent of a hopeful naive youth. To me films should not leave me numb ,instead I search for some form of escapism which Another Year lacked entirely. I must offer the film some credit though , it made me contemplate how grateful I should be for my youth , and that I must ensure I do not end up alone ; even if it does mean investing in a small herd of cats to keep me company. Another Year is worth commending for its great performances , particularly Lesley Manville who conveyed true sorrow as a woman trying hopelessly to avoiding loneliness and old age. Moreover the film left me feeling depressed , an emotion must of us don't tend to pursue. For me , I found Another Year bleak , unfulfilling and a little tiresome - though at times thought provoking.  Perhaps it is simply my youthful naivety speaking , but I would prefer to spend time on something a little more uplifting. 

Verdict? 3 Stars , well crafted yet inescapably depressing.