Ray & Liz

Ray & Liz is a powerful and visually striking 2018 drama film that offers an uncompromising exploration of family and societal disadvantages. Directed by Richard Billingham, a renowned British artist who primarily made his name in photography, the film primarily consists of a cast that includes Patrick Romer, Richard Ashton, and Justin Salinger. Billingham has used the film to present a semi-autobiographical narrative, drawing heavily from his own experiences of growing up in a poverty-stricken suburb of Birmingham, England during the eighties.

The film follows the eponymous characters, Ray and Liz, as they navigate their harsh environment, tormented by poverty. Within the confines of their small council flat, we see stories of desperation, survival, and the grim reality of their systemic hardship unfolding remarkably. The evocative storytelling combined with the raw authentic images painted by Billingham manifests as a clear-eyed but empathetic look into a marginalized segment of society.

Patrick Romer plays the older incarnation of Ray, displaying incredible range and intuition for the role. The character is portrayed as a quiet, heavy-drinking man, confined largely to one room of his flat, reflecting the director’s troubled upbringing. Through the windows of Ray's dilapidated council flat, viewers are shown a picture of England far removed from the bright lights of London. Richard Ashton and Justin Salinger also deliver stunning performances as Uncle Lol and a younger Ray, respectively, complementing the visual storytelling with their emotive acting.

The narrative of Ray & Liz is split into three distinct parts, handling nonlinear timespans with absolute mastery. The first and third parts take place largely in the present day where we see Ray, an older and solitary man with a drinking problem, confined to his room in a flat. The second part takes us back to their past, showcasing the younger days of the family, filled with raw instances of the parents’ negligence and insularity. However, instead of straightforwardly condemning Ray and Liz, the characters are offered depth and nuance - a testament to the film’s intelligent script that alternates between intense drama and dark humour.

The cinematography of the film is another aspect that deserves mention. Billingham's background as a photographer is evident in the film's striking visuals. Far from common depictions of poverty or neglect, there's a raw, gritty beauty in the imagery - a natural extension of Billingham’s stylistic focus towards 'unconventional' beauty. From the tiny details of the council flat's weather-worn textures to the expansive, often desolate landscapes of the suburban housing estates, the film offers a visual masterclass that at times feels more like a carefully curated art exhibition.

In terms of themes, Ray & Liz looks deeply into societal issues like poverty and addiction, examining them without judgement or didactic commentary. However, at its core, it remains a film about family - an unflinching look at the complexities and dysfunctions of familial ties, exploring them with realism and sensitivity. The film also contains elements of social realism, a tradition of British cinema, presenting a raw depiction of working-class life.

Ray & Liz is a bold cinematic statement that probes below the surface of urban hardship, showcasing the stark reality from the perspective of those who live it. Though it's a challenging watch with its intense themes and no-holds-barred storytelling style, there's a certain poetic beauty amidst the bleakness which ensures that the viewers are rewarded with an unforgettable cinematic experience. Combining compelling performances, inventive non-linear storytelling, and artful visuals, Ray & Liz stands as a cinematic achievement of grit and authenticity.