Black Mountain Poets

Black Mountain Poets is a delightful, freewheeling and lovably quirky British comedy-drama film from 2015 directed by Jamie Adams. The film stars popular British actors Alice Lowe and Dolly Wells as the leading characters, with a notable performance from Tom Cullen.

In this mischievously engaging movie, complemented with humor as well as a fair share of human drama, Alice Lowe and Dolly Wells play the parts of Lisa and Claire, two down on their luck sisters. The sisters find themselves engrossed in a life of petty crime to keep their heads above water financially. In a quirky twist of fate, they are forced to adopt false identities while evading the law, taking on the personas of internationally renowned poets, The Wilding Sisters.

The Wilding Sisters happen to be the invited guests of honor at a week-long poetry retreat in the rural hilly region of the Black Mountains of Wales known for its breathtaking beauty and isolation. This strange and seemingly mismatched setting sets the stage for an avalanche of comedic mishaps, emotional confrontations, and potential romance.

The character of Richard, portrayed endearingly by Tom Cullen, adds a romantic dimension into the narrative. Richard, a fellow poet at the retreat, develops a relationship with Lisa, further adding to the tensions of maintaining their ruse. As they navigate this retreat, utilising their wits and improvising terribly nonsensical 'deep' poetry, the sisters present an utterly hilarious set of events. Simultaneously, the narrative explores the complexities of their sisterly relationship, further deepening the characters' portrayal.

In Black Mountain Poets, the director, Jamie Adams, combines elements of comedy and drama perfectly, weaving a story that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. The movie has an improvisational feel, which further accentuates the authenticity of the characters, while also amplifying the humor. There’s a sparkling chemistry between Lowe and Wells, which is absolutely contagious, and a lot of the film’s charm hinges on their performances. Their rapport is engrossingly real and humorous, reflecting the complexities of sibling relationships with a light-heartedness that is both amusing and touching.

Their interaction with the rest of the ensemble cast, the ‘real’ poets, is equally engaging. All of the characters, with their idiosyncrasies and quirks, are drawn into the sisters' turmoil, providing a series of comic and dramatic moments. The unsuspecting poets at the retreat, living in a world far removed from the gritty reality familiar to Lisa and Claire, offer an interesting contrast to the sisters, underlining the comedic effect.

Visually, Black Mountain Poets is a treat. The evocative photography, capturing the rugged and stormy landscapes of the Black Mountains, juxtaposes brilliantly with the tumultuous journey that the characters undertake. Its atmospheric cinematography reflects as a metaphor for the tumultuous internal journey of the sisters.

The film also demonstrates the extraordinary strengths and weaknesses of sisterhood with sensitivity and humor. The relationship between Lisa and Claire remains at the movie's heart, unearthing painful truths and reconciliations as they delve deeper into their layered, ambiguous characters. This undercurrent of emotional depth ensures the film is more than just a road trip comedy, it touches the heart just as much as it triggers laughter.

On the whole, Black Mountain Poets is a compelling film that offers a refreshing blend of comedy, drama, romance, and scenic beauty. It’s an unexpected journey into the world of alternative identities, coupled with chaotic poetry retreats, unlikely romances, scenic roads, and revelations, all set against the backdrop of the captivating Welsh countryside. Alice Lowe and Dolly Wells, alongside the entire cast, deliver outstanding performances, bringing the movie to life and making it a joyful and poignant flight of discovery. It lures the viewer into laughter and surprise, seeping into contemplation, peeling back the layers of what it means to grow, change, and find your place in the world.