The style in which this drama was filmed is comparable to that of "skins", Nicholas Hoult's preceding work, however the depth of this one-off drama is stunning.
I admit the first 15/20 minutes tried my patience a little due to the script containing a somewhat clichéd storyline: Troubled boy meets bad girl who inevitably does bad things once troubled boy is forced to move away by bad parents. However,the storyline then takes a rather sudden turn which transforms it from "another troubled-teen drama" to a brilliantly original and touching piece of work.
Dave (Nicholas Hoult) is driven into depression with the responsibilities that come with having a brother, Ben, with downs syndrome, a condition that is characterized by considerable learning difficulties. Ben is not however the direct perpetrator of Dave's misery. The parents are to blame. After being forced away from London, away from all his friends and girlfriend in order to accommodate for Ben's education, Dave is pushed over the edge. He kidnaps Ben and they hitch to Snowdonia with their camping equipment. The scenes of Dave's overt hatred for his brother are distressing but your empathy finds it is with both the boys, not just Ben. In a heart-stopping sequence on top of a mountain when the resent for his brother is at its climax, Dave appears to have passed over all reason and the event that follows stunned us all.
The entire family watched this drama and all, without hesitation, agreed it was exceptional. Although the story was heart-rendering for the most part, the happiness and subtle humour that ensued in the last scenes left a positive atmosphere. The poignance of the drama, however, is not forgotten.
Beautiful scenery,appropriate music and Stunning performances from both Hoult and Tommy Jessop. What more could you ask for from a drama?
I admit the first 15/20 minutes tried my patience a little due to the script containing a somewhat clichéd storyline: Troubled boy meets bad girl who inevitably does bad things once troubled boy is forced to move away by bad parents. However,the storyline then takes a rather sudden turn which transforms it from "another troubled-teen drama" to a brilliantly original and touching piece of work.
Dave (Nicholas Hoult) is driven into depression with the responsibilities that come with having a brother, Ben, with downs syndrome, a condition that is characterized by considerable learning difficulties. Ben is not however the direct perpetrator of Dave's misery. The parents are to blame. After being forced away from London, away from all his friends and girlfriend in order to accommodate for Ben's education, Dave is pushed over the edge. He kidnaps Ben and they hitch to Snowdonia with their camping equipment. The scenes of Dave's overt hatred for his brother are distressing but your empathy finds it is with both the boys, not just Ben. In a heart-stopping sequence on top of a mountain when the resent for his brother is at its climax, Dave appears to have passed over all reason and the event that follows stunned us all.
The entire family watched this drama and all, without hesitation, agreed it was exceptional. Although the story was heart-rendering for the most part, the happiness and subtle humour that ensued in the last scenes left a positive atmosphere. The poignance of the drama, however, is not forgotten.
Beautiful scenery,appropriate music and Stunning performances from both Hoult and Tommy Jessop. What more could you ask for from a drama?