Modern Life Is Rubbish

Modern Life Is Rubbish (2017) is an intricately crafted romantic dramedy that carries an elegiac tone for an entire generation that shares its nostalgic infatuation for physical music records and brick-and-mortar record stores. The movie, titled after a phrase coined by the powerhouse Britpop band Blur, traverses the romantic landscape from its blossoming stages to the dreary plains of disillusionment and the risk of complete dissolution. It's an assertive tale of growing up, falling in and out of love, and discovering oneself, ironically, through dispossession.

Directed by Daniel Jerome Gill, the film transcends the cliche-ridden path of countless love stories and delivers an engrossing narrative enriched with a well-selected backdrop of indie music and an engrossing depiction of the independent record store scene. The central characters, Liam (Tom Riley) and Natalie (Freya Mavor), are two music enthusiasts who find love in their shared passion for these relics of a bygone era. With resonating performances by lead actors Tom Riley and Freya Mavor, coupled with impressive supporting performances by Jessie Cave and Ian Hart, the film remains secured in the memory for its believable character dynamics, dyadic chemistry, and emotional resonance.

The storyline revolves around Liam, an aspirational musician, who is at odds with the digitalization of the music world. Staying true to his passion, he clings to his dreams of not only making it big but doing so without compromising his principles. On the other side, Natalie, his girlfriend, is a more pragmatic character, grappling with her own passion for art while navigating through the challenges of her relationship with Liam.

As they delve deeper into their shared lives, their individual dreams start to drive a wedge between them, testing the strength of their relationship. The narrative unfolds both in the past and the present, showing the audience the journey of their unraveling relationship. The film masterfully intertwines music with its theme of nostalgia, using it to bridge the divide between the past and present, love and heartbreak, and childhood dreams and harsh realities.

Modern Life Is Rubbish presents a vivid picture, dipping into a palette dominated by the textures of vinyl records, sweet coffee notes, and indie band covers, guiding its viewers through the tumultuous journey of a relationship compounded with the life quandaries of two young people. The film is most appreciated for its meticulous attention to details and its faithful illustration of the chaos and energy that marked the times of ruthless transitions in the music industry.

One of the highlights of the film is its enchanting and emotive soundtrack. A variety of Britpop and indie tracks seamlessly incorporated into the narrative further accent the overall mood of the film, adding both flavor and depth to the atmosphere. From energetic youth anthems to soulful melodies of heartache, the music in the movie forms an essential part of the narrative, resonating with the peaks and valleys of the central love story.

Performances by the lead actors are commendable, bringing a charismatic, emotive energy to their roles. Tom Riley embodies the passionate but struggling musician grappling with his dreams, and his performance is both captivating and emotionally stirring. Freya Mavor's portrayal of Natalie is both genuine and compelling, effectively capturing the complexities and subtleties of her character.

The film also masterfully incorporates witty humor into its narrative, often offering comic relief at just the right moments. Francis (Jessie Cave), the amusing younger sister of Natalie, effortlessly breathes humor into the plot with her quirky dialogues and witty observations. Ian Hart, playing the father of Natalie, contributes an additional layer of depth with his stern yet loving portrayal.

Offering a remarkable blend of romance, humor, music, and nostalgia, Modern Life Is Rubbish is a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in love, has been at odds with the rapid pace of technological advancement, or has simply yearned for the comforting nostalgia of the past. In its own unique way, the movie conveys the message that sometimes, letting go is necessary for moving forward, and that modern life, while seemingly 'rubbish,' holds adventures and beauty uniquely its own.