"If You Are Cynical About the State of British Film, Then 'HOARD' Is a Candle in the Darkness"
If you peruse the history books it is often the case that working class women are at the forefront of social change, bearing the undesirable task of being at the front line of the action, weathering the storm for the greater good. The same can be said of British cinema. Whether it is the much anticipated fifth features from veterans Andrea Arnold (Bird) and Lynne Ramsay (Polaris), or the breakthrough debuts of Charlotte Wells (Aftersun) and Charlotte Regan (Scrapper), the state of British cinema is being kept alive - in fact reinvigorated - by the storytelling of working class women. It’s easy to be pessimistic about the UK film industry, much does need to improve, but also there is lots to be celebrated. Luna Carmoon’s directorial debut Hoard is the perfect example of everything that is amazing right now about British cinema - it’s a visionary, provocative and enchanting piece of filmmaking.
A refreshing portrayal of working class characters with excellent performances from the entire cast, the film is a sensual exploration of trauma and sexuality. In the canon of British cinema it is more Ken Russell than Ken Loach, but to be honest it is a fruitless task to try and pigeon hole such an exciting talent as Carmoon, from the out set you know you are in the hands of a distinct and masterful cinematic storyteller. To say she draws from personal experience and puts parts of her life into her filmmaking would be an understatement, it’s almost like she puts her very soul into each frame of the picture. While it is not literally autobiographical, there is certainly the intimate touch of drawing from life’s tapestry weaved into it. The film oozes a personal oeuvre with a charismatic dark and twisted tint that is uniquely Carmoon’s
Lily-Beau Leach AND Hayley Squires
The first act in 1984 sets up the childhood trauma of young Maria (Lily-Beau Leach) experienced as a result of living with her hoarding obsessed mother, expertly played by Hayley Squires. Living in foster care in 1994 aged eighteen and haunted by echoes from her past, Maria (Saura Lightfoot Leon) experiences her sexual awakening in an entangled romance with visiting guest Michael (Joseph Quinn). Maria is a refreshing, complex and headstrong protagonist who is a delight to follow, Saura Lightfoot Leon delivers a phenomenal performance that is both grounded and heart felt. Likewise Joseph Quinn is excellent as Michael, dealing with his own demons embodied in his heavily pregnant fiancé, the casting of the film feels truly authentic with well rounded, layered characters. A special mention is deserving for Deba Hekmat who plays Maria’s best friend Laraib, a captivating performance that steals the screen (which considering the level of talent is no mean feat). All of this proving why Heather Basten is considered one of the most exciting Casting Directors currently working in our industry.
Joseph Quinn and Saura Lightfoot-Leon
While the subject matter may sound like the territory of a typical kitchen sink drama you would be gravely mistaken, it transcends those barriers into a more mystical reflection upon trauma and how it manifests itself in the present. It explores the complex nature of grief, memories are shards of experience that haunt the darker crevasses of Maria’s mind, all of which is magnified as she becomes embroiled with Michael. There’s moments that may possibly gross you out depending on your levels of tolerance, one particular scene of Maria and Michael exchanging saliva is disgusting but at the same time intoxicating. Beauty in the nightmarish is the line the film walks, a sickly coming-of-age story. It casts a spell on you, weaving together a rough grimness with a magical enchanting quality, exemplified by the rhythmical cutting of editor Rachel Durance and the nostalgic imagery created by the production design of Bobbie Cousins and cinematography of Nanu Segal.
Hoard world premiered at the Settimana della Critica, the independent section of the Venice Film Festival, where it received multiple awards, it has continued to screen at festivals receiving high acclaim from both critics and audiences. The film is distributed in the UK by Vertigo Releasing and is available in cinemas from May 17th. I highly recommend experiencing this provocative and captivating cinematic stimulation on the big screen. And rejoice in the excellence that is director Luna Carmoon and her brilliant team, especially producers Loran Dunn and Helen Simmons who both individually are racking up numerous credits of important work. If you are cynical about the state of British film then Hoard is a candle in the darkness, it is an exciting and distinct piece of filmmaking that is sure to provoke and inspire in equal measure.
'HOARD' Will Open in Cinemas Across the UK & Ireland on Friday 17th May 2024
Greg Hall
Instagram @greghallfilm
Twitter @dirgreghall
