Reputation Review
An uncomfortable watch, bleak and violent, a sense of sheer realism is hardly entertaining, but believe it or not, there are all good points for this gritty, ultra-low-budget drama Reputation that is ultimately reminiscent of classic vociferous, Ken Loach or Shane Meadows-style British kitchen sink sagas.
Literally, unexpectedly falling into the helm, first-time director Martin Law has helped create strong, defined, mostly undesirable characters that think they’re ahead of the criminal activity game on the streets, but are simply in toxic situations, digging deeper into trouble.
With a bouncing baby boy, the in-love couple of Wes (James Nelson-Joyce) and Zoe (Olivia Francis Brown) are dealing with external disruptions to their life, prompting ideas of moving far away; in particular, Australia is on their wishlist.
The return from prison to town by out of control Tommy (Kyle Rowe), an old mate of Wes, with a short fuse and penchant to disregard personal space, feelings of others and rules of decorum, he has none. Flawless at being abhorrent.
WATCH OUT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR MARTIN LAW HERE
The atmosphere is tense when Tommy is on screen; he evokes stress in fellow characters whilst getting under the skin of viewers. I unconditionally disliked him, a testament to actor Rowe. Throughout, he kept reminding me of powder-keg Begbie (Robert Carlyle) in one of my all-time favourite 90s films, Trainspotting (1996).
Engaging back into crime is not what Wes wants, but high-risk risk high-reward promises of money have an impact on his ill-advised decision-making. Zoe and her son are threatened in the street, forcing further pressure to do something about Tommy once and for all.
Nelson-Joyce gains your sympathy in a quality performance, trying to get straight to help his young family, holding sincerity under extreme circumstances.
Having only seen her in the Lena Headey written – directed film The Trap (2023), talented Olivia Francis Brown is also dominant as Zoe, a scared mum, a lover on the brink, assessing her acting tells me there are many more roles to come in future projects. Annalise Bradshaw is also severely good as Louella, and as aforementioned, Rowe is despicably good, remarkable how irritating he is.
Much of the filming was completed on the fly, guerrilla filmmaking at its most gritty. Congratulations to Martin Law and his dedicated colleagues for putting together Reputation, an indie drama that is tight with tension and relatable emotions.
★★ 1/2
On digital download now / James Nelson-Joyce, Kyle Rowe, Kru Lundy, Frances Brown / Dir: Martin Law / Miracle Media / 18
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