Access All Areas

Access All Areas is a vibrant and lively coming-of-age film from the United Kingdom, directed by Bryn Higgins, and released in 2017. The film features rich and engaging performances from a young, talented cast that comprises of Ella Purnell, Georgie Henley, and Jason Flemyng, among others. The story incorporates dramatic elements, comedic undertones, music, and the search for freedom, all set within the thrilling and radiating environment of a music festival which naturally draws in themes of youth, hope, and reinvention, making it alluring to the youth demographic.

Ella Purnell, a talented actress known for her roles in films like "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and "Sweetbitter," delivers yet another fascinating performance as Mia. She is a teenager grappling with the predicaments of a broken home and dreams of a life beyond the horizons obvious to her. Her character is smart, resourceful, and rebellions, a combination that instantly draws the viewer's attention.

Complementing Mia's character is a charismatic Georgie Henley, better known for her role as Lucy Pevensie in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series. She plays Nat, Mia's best friend, who is experiencing her own share of teenage rebellion. Henley’s portrayal of Nat adds up to the youthful energy of the film and constructs a dynamic contrast to Purnell’s character.

Jason Flemyng, known for his performances in films like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and "X-Men: First Class," characterises as a significant figure named, Colin, in the broken reality Mia is trying to escape from.

The plot starts to unfold when, burdened by their chaotic personal lives, Mia and Nat decide to escape their day-to-day troubles and head towards 'Isle of Sounds,' a fictitious music festival happening off the coast of their home town. In this way, the film ranges beyond the over usual teenage drama and cleverly incorporates the elements of a Music Festival, greatly enhancing its appeal by making the viewers reminisce their youthful days.

‘Isle of Sounds’ turns out to be a world of liberation, self-discovery, music, and uncharted emotions for these teenagers. The exuberant vibe of the festival embodies the free-spirited nature of youthful rebelliousness and a search for an escape from a reality that’s less than ideal. The movie does an excellent job at using the music-fest backdrop to paint a frenzy of frenetic energy, pulsating music, colourful costumes, wild dance routines, all cleverly interwoven to draw a vivid arc in the characters' transformation and personal growth.

Throughout their journey, both Mia and Nat's characters weave in and out of an eclectic range of experiences and meet many eccentric and colourful characters, who help them see the world differently, thereby allowing them to grow. This fascinating journey makes the viewers fall in love with the highs and lows of their ordeal and triggers an emotional bond with the characters.

Access All Areas wonderfully explores the theme of ‘freedom from a broken home’ and ‘finding oneself and one’s worth outside of one's dysfunctional circumstances’, making the viewers root for the characters while they navigate through their mess. It also delves into themes of friendship, youthful rebellion, the search for identity, and the desire for freedom during the critical transition to adulthood.

In terms of aesthetics, Access All Areas sets the mood with its bright visuals, cheerful production design, and a soundtrack that ebbs and flows with the characters' journey. The director, Bryn Higgins, successfully translates the vibrant, exuberant chaos intrinsic to any music festival onto the screen. The movie beautifully balances the raw emotions and dramatic elements with the fun-filled vibes of a music festival.

There are many ways Access All Areas stands out, but the film's major strength lies in its storytelling and character development, creating a mesmerising blend of laughter, youthful angst, and transformations. Along with a well-written script, the gifted cast profoundly brings out the soul of their characters and makes the movie an enjoyable watch.

In conclusion, Access All Areas is a film that will resonate with audiences for its distinct subject choice, engaging narrative, lively festivals vibes and noteworthy performances. It is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery that encapsulates the messiness and the beauty of coming of age. Suitable for a young audience, the film will leave the viewers feeling nostalgic, reflective and inspired.