Submarine

(Rating: 15, 97 mins) Written by Zen Terrelonge

Starring – Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Yasmin Paige.

Submarine is the story of young Oliver Tate (Roberts), a teenage outcast with no true friends, who falls for one of his classmates and tries desperately to win the heart of the fire-starting, dry-skinned, girl of his dreams.

Sounds like quite the catch.

Deciding to change his personal outlook through a mild spot of bullying to impress his unfair maiden, an unlikely romance ensues.

Set in the 80′s and based in Wales, despite seeing nil animals of the bah-ing variety, you do feel the glory of the valleys, which makes for a rather lovely, picturesque backdrop.

The fuzzy, retro look of the film has been caught perfectly too – it runs as though it really was shot in that decade with grainy camerawork.

As for the music selection it has a playful vibe to it, which works well with the teen angst it’s revolved around.

The songs featured were actually created by none other than Alex Turner, the Arctic Monkeys lead singer.

An anti-romantic comedy, the humour on hand is a very dry offering but it works.

You could actually liken the film to an ‘earlier’ version of TV show Skins, the difference being there’s a lack of drugs on offer, but with the scenarios Oliver encounters it could we be his episode.

With a thorough look in to the depths of young Oliver’s adolescent mind, as he battles school, love and family life, Roberts portrays the awkward nerd with ease.

Paddy Considine has little more than a cameo, he is the mysterious lothario neighbour that catches the eye of Oliver’s mum, something that gets in the way of the teens romance with bowl-haired Jordana (Paige).

It’s very safe to say this won’t appeal to everyone and whilst not full of slapstick comedy, the quirkiness creates a considerably enjoyable change of pace from the usual suspects born out of Hollywood which is ironic as Zoolander star, Ben Stiller is an Executive Producer.

7/10

Submarine is available on DVD and Blu-ray from 1st August 2011

View the trailer right here.