A Northern Soul

A Northern Soul is a compelling British documentary film from 2018 directed by the award-winning Sean McAllister. Filmed in Hull, the movie provides a stark and sincere look at a working-class community during a period of major societal change. Steve Arnott finds himself at the center of the narrative, embodying the spirit of many in the UK who strive daily to overcome socio-economic challenges.

In stark contrast with McAllister's previous works like The Liberace of Baghdad and A Syrian Love Story, A Northern Soul takes us into Steve Arnott’s life, a warehouse worker by day with a profound passion for Hip Hop. Steve, also known as Redeye Feenix, is an everyday man with a dream and a burdensome reality marked by a cycle of low-paid jobs and financial struggle. This intimate documentary aims to capture Steve's powerful journey and aspiration to inspire his community through music.

The movie begins as Hull, Steve’s hometown, is selected as the 2017 UK City of Culture. There is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement in the air - an opportunity for growth and change. Arnott, however, finds himself trapped in more mundane realities, slogging away at his work in the cold, impersonal environment of a warehouse freezer. Moreover, his personal life is not less challenging as he's also the single father to a young daughter.

Steve's dream is Beats Bus, a grassroots project focusing on exposing the children of Hull to hip-hop and rap, serving as an outlet for them to express themselves creatively. Arnott aspires to use Hip-Hop and rap as a tool for self-expression to the disadvantages children, motivating them to explore and pursue their passions beyond the confines of their socio-economic predicament. He pours his heart and soul into this community project, driven by his burning desire to inspire and provide an expressive outlet to the younger generation, while they deal with the constraints of austerity Britain.

On a broader level, Steve’s journey is emblematic of a struggle faced by many. Director Sean McAllister himself is a native of Hull and, having been away for thirty years, felt a connection to Arnott. Both Arnott and McAllister share a grim but passionate narrative about their home city. McAllister holds an empathetic lens through which he captures Arnott's struggles, dreams, and determination, providing a profound and poignant insight into the lives of the working-class majority impacted by the political and economic strife of the present times.

A Northern Soul is a narrative of perseverance amidst adversity, channeling a sense of hope within a landscape often characterized by despair. It presents a gritty, unvarnished view of Hull's streets and an intimate portrait of its inhabitants. The film stands out for its honesty, captures the community's spirit and their collective belief and aspiration regarding the city's potential during its tenure as the City of Culture. The documentary never shies away from displaying the harsh realities of austerity but at the same time manages to capture an indomitable spirit.

Beyond its gritty realism and raw portrayal of a community bound together by shared hopes, dreams, and disparate socio-economic reality, 'A Northern Soul' is also a tale of Steve’s personal journey towards self-discovery. His struggles become emblematic of those braving the underbelly of Britain's socio-economic landscape, yet at the same time his spirit becomes a beacon of resilience and hope. The journey he embarks on with the Beats Bus is a testament to community, passion, and the transformative power of music as an instrument for social change.

In conclusion, Sean McAllister's A Northern Soul evolves beyond being a mere social commentary on contemporary Britain. It navigates through the narrative of an ordinary individual, Steve Arnott, who channels his personal struggle and passion for music into a force for social upliftment, leading to an extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and, ultimately, empowerment. With its brutally honest storytelling and heartrending glimpses into the up-against-it lives of Hull’s working class, A Northern Soul becomes a captivating exploration of personal and societal struggle and resilience.