Make Up

Make Up, a 2019 British independent film, is a remarkable psychological drama directed by Claire Oakley. The film features a stunning cast, including Molly Windsor, Joseph Quinn, and Stefanie Martini, delivering intense and evocative performances.

In Make Up, Windsor portrays Ruth, a young and naive woman who has left her familiar life behind to move into a caravan park in a remote coastal town in Cornwall with her boyfriend, Tom, eloquently portrayed by Joseph Quinn. This abrupt transition from her sheltered existence to a quite isolated, enclosed, and intense environment sets the stage for a narrative that blurs the boundary between reality and delusion, creating an atmosphere that is palpable throughout the film.

In this tranquil coastal ambiance, Ruth tries to grapple with her new life and the characters surrounding her. It includes Tom, who works as a groundskeeper at the caravan park, Jenny, another park employee expertly played by Stefanie Martini and a handful of intriguing yet somewhat intimidating characters residing there. At the heart of the plot, there are strange occurrences, hidden secrets, and unnerving situations that raise certain suspicions and insecurities within Ruth. Her coherence between reality and her imagination starts to blur, causing her to question the loyalty and trustworthiness of those closest to her.

Make Up is more than just a typical psychological thriller. It blends mystery and self-discovery, forming a compelling narrative which Oakley masterfully directs. The strength of the film lies in its unique depiction of a haunting and anxious atmosphere. Cinematographer, Nick Cooke, beautifully captures the eerie landscape, presenting the terrain as an essential character within the plot, almost manifesting the fear and paranoia that Ruth experiences. It plays uniquely with colors and lights, the claustrophobic interiors of the caravans, the haunting seascapes, and the desolate off-season caravan park, all contributing to the film’s distinct visual appeal.

One of the film's many fascinating aspects is how it explores the theme of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships portrayed through Ruth. Her character's development throughout the film is mesmerizing, which Molly Windsor brings to life, adding depth and nuance to her performance. The way she experiences those new circumstances in a new environment leads to a tangible tension and a profound revelation about herself.

Joseph Quinn’s performance as Tom is commendable as he portrays a young man who is deeply involved yet somewhat dismissive of the turbulence that Ruth experiences. His complex character further amplifies the strange setup at the caravan park, questioning the way trust works in intimate relationships.

Stefani Martini’s portrayal of Jenny is equally important as she becomes a constant in Ruth’s life in the caravan park, from being a casual acquaintance to playing an instrumental role in her journey of self-discovery. Her compelling performance brings a balance of empathy and mystery to the plot, further intensifying the atmosphere within the film.

What is most impressive about Make Up is director Claire Oakley’s unique storytelling technique. With minimal dialogues and maximum focus on visual narratives, she allows the audience to plunge into the depths of the characters’ psyche. She does not spoon-feed the audience but subtly hints at the undertones of the hidden elements within the story. This makes the audience think, predict, question, and piece together the fragments of the story taking them on a thrilling journey flavored with the uncertainty of a psychological thriller and the intrigue of a coming-of-age drama.

With an intriguing narrative structure adorned with atmospheric cinematography, Make Up is a psychological drama that showcases the human tendency to self-discover amidst fear and suspense. It not only rivets viewers with its intense plot but also leaves them reflecting on hidden facets of their own identities. It is a work that is as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful, serving as a powerful display of human resilience and the quest for truth.