Bridgend

Bridgend is a riveting, powerful, and suspenseful drama film that premiered at the 2013 Cinequest Film Festival. The story is inspired by a real-life predicament about a spate of suicides amongst young people in the town of Bridgend, South Wales, between 2007 and 2012.

Throughout the film, the director, Jeppe Rønde, beautifully captures the striking contrast between the idyllic Welsh countryside and the undercurrent of alarming events that unravels in Bridgend. Moreover, the ominous and melancholic ambiance is heightened by the haunting cinematography, wherein a bleak colour palette is utilized coupled with the pervasive gloom. It underscores one of the primary themes of the movie – dealing with the inexplicable abyss of depression and teenage disillusionment.

One of the movie's main characters is Sara, a new arrival in the town, played by Hannah Murray (known for her work in "Game of Thrones"). She and her father, who is a policewoman, move from Bristol to Bridgend. Her father aims to conduct a thorough investigation into the surge of suicides among the local youth. As Sara integrates into the local community, she gradually becomes entwined in the intense camaraderie, shared rituals, and tight-knit relationships of the local teenagers. However, the tranquility is short-lived, and she finds herself navigating through an unnerving maze of teenage angst, peer pressure, and local folklore shrouded in tragedy and mystery.

Other notable performances are by Josh O'Connor as Jamie, a mesmerizing yet tormented young man, and Steven Waddington as Sara's father, who provides the rationale and grounding element amidst the turmoil.

Essentially, Bridgend falls under those films that aren't escapism as much as they are a reflection of the darker aspects of our society. Rønde takes the paths less traveled and does not provide easy answers or conclusions. The film carefully depicts the tragedy of the youth suicides without exploitation or sensationalism. It is a haunting narrative showing the juxtaposition of adolescence's carefree spirit against the backdrop of a community marred by inexplicable suffering.

The film heavily invests in developing the nuanced, complex relationships with characters that can leave the audience intrigued and captivated. The storytelling is unconventional, as it refrains from explaining the circumstances surrounding the suicides, focusing more on the emotional turmoil and the chilling consequences of those inexplicable suicides. It evokes a deep sense of sorrow, loss, and the despair of not being able to prevent the tragic events.

The director, Jeppe Rønde, spent six years visiting and researching Bridgend and its tragic events. He extensively interviewed the local people, which resonates in the film's authenticity. The extensive groundwork done before filming gives the narrative an additional depth and sense of responsibility. It is clear that even though Rønde chose a creative route to approach the story, he did so with an understanding and respect for the hardship that the Bridgend community has endured.

The movie is augmented by a chilling soundtrack composed by French film composers Mondkopf and Felix de Giles, and is directed by cinematographer Magnus Nordenhof Jønck. The sterling soundtrack adds an otherworldly and mysterious dimension to the town, its people, and the unsettling events.

In summary, Bridgend is an intense and thought-provoking film that tells the story of a close-knit community overcome by a tragic mystery. The captivating performances, heartfelt sincerity to the real-life events, alongside a deep commitment to addressing the subject matter realistically, makes Bridgend a commendable and poignant film. Despite the discomforting nature of its narrative, it speaks the truth about life’s darkest moments and serves as a mirror to modern society's grim tragedies. This movie comes highly recommended for those who appreciate intense storytelling and the exploration of challenging and thought-provoking themes.