Home Before Midnight

Home Before Midnight is a provocative British thriller from 1979 that combines elements of psychological drama and legal intrigue. Directed by Pet Appleyard and known for its cast of talented performers such as James Aubrey, Alison Elliot, and Mark Burns, this movie will captivate your attention from the first scene until the closing credits.

The plot centers on Mike Beresford (played by James Aubrey), a young, aspiring music composer who epitomizes the free-spirited spirit of the late 70s. Mike’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ginny Wilshire (Alison Elliot), an intriguing girl who appears older than she is. She's charismatic, spontaneous, and full of enigmatic charm. What begins as an seemingly innocent romantic relationship soon spirals into a legal nightmare when it's revealed that Ginny is only 14 years old. Having genuinely believed her to be older, Mike is charged with statutory rape, pushing him on a path of self-destruction and despair.

The movie does a splendid job of examining the concept of morality in a society governed by constructed legal and societal rules. The narrative unravels the psychological turmoil experienced by Beresford, battling a divided public opinion, a hostile press, and his own internal conflict. His struggle brings into focus the stark reality that not all actions punishable by law are necessarily morally wrong and that all encounters are not black and white but exist in shades of gray.

Alison Elliot’s portrayal of Ginny is equally noteworthy, presenting a mature persona exceedingly well for a character who is actually just a teenager. Her character challenges societal stereotypes about young women, their capacity for desire, and the meaning of consent within the constructs of law and society.

Mark Burns steps into the critical role of Mike's best friend and attorney Chris. He first stands as a loyal confidant and subsequently launches a legal battle to prove Mike’s innocence. His confident demeanor and strategic thinking offer a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil that Mike goes through. Their friendship is tested, and through all the upheaval, it proves the resilience of their bond, adding a touching subplot to the overarching narrative.

Home Before Midnight contains intelligent dialogues that are both contemplative and riveting at the same time. Each conversation is layered, often alluding to a greater reality than what is being expressly stated. The articulate screenplay by British writers Mike Radford and Ranald Graham is indeed a testament to the quality and genius of British cinema during the late 70s. If you are a fan of thought-provoking drama filled with thrilling suspense elements, then this movie will not disappoint you.

It is worth mentioning that the cinematography brilliantly captures the nuances of the era. As the camera follows the protagonists through the streets of London, it documents the zeitgeist of the 70s and offers an almost nostalgic perspective towards the cultural revolution that was happening at the time. There are moments of eye-catching beauty amid the turmoil. Additionally, the compelling soundtrack, filled with Mike’s own compositions, adds a lovely layer of depth to the scene transitions and the overall mood of the movie.

Despite the harsh reality and dense subject matter, Home Before Midnight never loses its alluring charm. It successfully navigates the complexities of human emotions, the subtleties of deep bonding, and the moral ambiguities that confound life, drawing viewers into its narrative, converting them into the silent spectators of an ongoing psychological courtroom drama.

In summary, Home Before Midnight is more than just a dramatic legal thriller. It is a portrayal of human emotions, a tribute to friendship, and a nuanced examination of societal taboos. It is a movie that will make viewers think, feel, and question long after the credits roll. Rigorously ambitious in its genre-mixing scope, this film beautifully encapsulates a currently relevant debate on love, law, societal norms, and consent, readily inviting viewers to partake in its solution. It's a movie worth watching and remembering.