273. Perfect 10; movie review

PERFECT 10
Cert 15
83 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language

Perhaps I am becoming too old and cynical but lately, I have been struggling to empathise with movies about disaffected teenagers.

I understand that 14-year-old Leigh (Frankie Box) has reason to be unhappy - living with her neglectful father and with not enough money to enjoy living in Brighton.

She is also bullied at her local gymnastics club where she demonstrates such talent that she becomes the conspicuous focus of the coach (Sharlene Whyte).

She is need of a change of direction when a previously unknown half-brother (Alfie Deegan) appears and announces he will now be living with her and her dad.

Initially, she is distrustful of the swaggering older boy but she gradually warms to him because he gives her the attention which she is lacking.

In proving herself, she is exposed to the danger of taking part in crime and a gang who seek to push boundaries.

As a journalist and having been on the board of a charity which cares for young people, I have seen what happens when parents neglect youngsters and they are attracted away from the right path.

Consequently, I was hoping that Leigh's bad behaviour would be a quick fad and not ruin her life.

Unfortunately, I doubt that many viewers will be equally sympathetic and will hope that she and half-brother will receive retribution.

I enjoyed the style of Eva Riley's movie - it presented youth disaffection realistically and was boosted by a gritty soundtrack.

Box is certainly believable in the lead. Indeed, I have witnessed how isolated young people similar to her character make bad decisions in a bid for family approval.

My problem was that its edginess is diluted because it goes over the same ground too much and, ultimately, its conclusion is unsatisfying.

Reasons to watch: Edgy indie drama
Reasons to avoid: Repeats itself too much

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? Frankie Box suffers from gastroparesis. which meant she had to be fed through a tube. During a crowdfunding campaign, 200 people donated £17,000 over four weeks for a gastric pacemaker which allows food to reach her bowel from her stomach.

The final word. Eva Riley: "The film is a pretty hopeful, summery film, even though it’s got lots of darkness in it. I really hope that if people realise that about it, they might go see it as a bit of a release from things, and a bit of escapism." JumpCutOnline

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