Love/Me/Do

Love/Me/Do is a compelling British independent drama with shades of neo-noir and psychological thriller. Directed by Martin Stitt and released in 2015, the film features intensely human performances from Jack Gordon, Rebecca Calder, and Max Wrottesley. Stitt's writing and direction, uneasily laced with dark menace and suspense, takes a probing look at human relationships and the lengths to which individuals are driven when love, need, and desperation collide.

In a central performance filled with grit and haunting vulnerability, Jack Gordon plays Anton, a character as complex as he is flawed. Anton has a background in finance, but following a series of unfortunate decisions, his past success has given way to a downward spiral. He attempts to make a living off small-scale cons, living precariously on the edge of society and morality, yet he remains charismatic and somehow relatable, drawing us into his morally grey world.

Rebecca Calder portrays the wounded yet resilient Penelope with a compelling mix of frailty and strength. Raised in a wealthy background, Penelope suffers from an addictive personality and relies heavily on prescription medication to get through her life. Penelope’s encounter with Anton triggers an unpredictable chain of events, setting off a game of cat-and-mouse where the hunter and the hunted are in constant flux. Their relationship becomes the film's centrifugal force, dictating its chilling twists and turns.

Max Wrottesley plays Matthew, Penelope's affluent and confident yet aloof husband, whose relationship with his wife is strained due to their contrasting personalities and life views. Wrottesley’s portrayal of Matthew adeptly balances the hard exterior of a successful business person with the vulnerability of a man unable to fulfil his wife's emotional needs.

Vividly lensed by cinematographer Bart Sienkiewicz, Love/Me/Do is a visual feast, even as it probes the dark underbelly of mankind's baser instincts. Apart from the nuanced storytelling and masterful performances, the film employs colour grading to create stark contrasts, as well as the use of shadows and silhouette to echo the characters' plight and evoke a sense of lurking danger. There’s a palpable menace that permeates throughout the film, underscoring the thriller aspects and making every scene simmer with suspense and unpredictability.

The film delves into weighty themes, such as love, addiction, social class, and control. At its heart, it is a movie about the power dynamics inherent in relationships and how far people are willing to go, driven by love or need. There's a shared desperation between Anton and Penelope's characters, exploring the fine line between love and obsession and demonstrating how quickly a relationship can start to resemble entrapment.

The fusion of character study with an unsettling narrative stance distinguishes Love/Me/Do and elevates the film, offering a fresh perspective on the psychological thriller genre. The story's unpredictability is its strength, as viewers are left guessing about characters' motives and likely course of action until the very end.

Particularly noteworthy are the consistently strong performances by the lead actors. Jack Gordon's multifaceted portrayal of Anton hooks the audience's interest, making viewers root for him despite his questionable life choices. Rebecca Calder brings a sense of dignity to the fragile, medicated Penelope, whilst Max Wrottesley imbues Matthew with an admirable complexity, often oscillating between confidence, arrogance, and vulnerability.

Martin Stitt's direction is remarkable in his ability to weave an intricate narrative that leaves no loose ends and has the viewers on the edge of their seats. Equally assured is his handling of the cast, extracting performances that resonate well after the film is over. The story is smart and engaging, with each scene adding more depth to the characters' relationships and the overall narrative.

In conclusion, Love/Me/Do is a high-stakes psychological drama that pulls no punches. It's a tense, nuanced exploration of love and desperation, exploring complex themes and ambiguous characters with remarkable sensitivity. With strong performances, tight direction, and a nerve-racking storyline, it’s a gripping watch for fans of character-driven thrillers and dramatic cinema.