Burn, Burn, Burn

Burn, Burn, Burn is an intriguing British black comedy-drama from 2015 directed by Chanya Button. The film stars Alice Lowe, Dolly Wells, Jack Farthing, Joe Dempsie, and Jane Asher, who have all delivered vivid performances, marking it as an impressive piece in each of their acting careers. The Performances are further emboldened with the sharp, witty, and smart dialogues that pay an homage to C.S. Lewis, from whom the film derived its title.

The storyline hovers around an existential road trip, where two best friends, Seph (played by Alice Lowe) and Alex (played by Dolly Wells), are tasked with an unusual mission. They find themselves inheriting a quest of sorts, mandated by a pre-recorded series of videos left behind by their childhood friend, Dan, portrayed by Jack Farthing. The loveable but troubled Dan succumbs to cancer, leaving behind his wishes for his ashes to be scattered across the UK at specific destinations, recorded in calm and playful messages, laying the map for the journey that Seph and Alex are to undertake.

As the journey begins, the heartbreak of losing a close friend consumes Alex and Seph. They embark on the trip in an old Volvo as their feelings and emotions turn into a tumultuous roller-coaster ride. The geographical journey turns into a journey of self-discovery as they cross milestones, visiting important parts of their shared history as well as discovering hidden truths and unraveling secrets about their departed friend. The cathartic voyage, interspersed with Dan's videos, unfolds the deeper aspects of this triangular friendship and their individual lives.

The film showcases a blend of grief, anger, love, friendship, and exploration that swings between comic relief and heartbreaking revelations. But at the core, it captures a striking balance between the soul-crushing phenomenon of Death and the opportunity it provides to introspect on life. The intermittent encounters with various characters that Seph and Alex meet along their journey, add color and depth to their voyage of self-discovery.

A key standout character in the film is Dan's mother, played by Jane Asher. The eloquent, soft-spoken, yet commanding and influential figure provides a contrast to the otherwise chaotic adventure of Seph and Alex. Overshadowed with the theme of death and the struggles of coming to terms with it, the film depicts how differently individuals process grief and mourning.

Meanwhile, a peculiar tension brews between the always-responsible Seph and the wild, free-spirited Alex throughout the journey. With missteps, conflicts, emotional confrontations, and latent feelings, their bond experiences multiple tests, contributing towards the evolution of their characters. It embarks on them to reflect, reconcile, and realize their life's priorities, relationships, and purpose.

Director Chanya Button skillfully negotiates the tricky balance between humor and heartbreak throughout the film. The scriptwriting by Charlie Covell renders a refreshing take on the traditional road trip adventure. Despite exploring heavy themes like death, mourning, life’s purpose, and existential crisis, the film maintains an engaging narrative that is unusually warm and invigorating. The picturesque landscapes of the UK and the exceptional cinematography further enhance the cinematic experience, making it a delightful and beautiful watch.

‘Burn, Burn, Burn’ features excellent acting performances that bring to life a story about unspoken truths, losses, and an opportunity to find purpose amid chaos. It manages to captivate its audience by offering laughter through tears, narrating a layered and impassioned tale of friendship, love, and acceptance. It serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the end is just another beginning.

In conclusion, 'Burn, Burn, Burn' is a deeply moving, captivating, and lively film that beautifully portrays the journey of life, death, and everything in between. Through its honest and raw exploration of human connections, it leaves its viewers with a hearty chunk of life wisdom and a renewed perspective on life's unpredictability.