Say My Name

Say My Name is a dazzling 2018 British comedy that offers so much more than just good humor; it is a cleverly written, fast-paced tale of accidental crime, colorful characters, romance and self-discovery. The movie features splendid performances from Lisa Brenner, Nick Blood, and Celyn Jones, under the direction of Jay Stern, best known for his work on the theater circuit. The force behind the smart and witty screenplay is Deborah Frances-White, a prolific British-Australian comedian and feminist podcaster.

At the heart of the story is a strong and engaging female protagonist, Mary (Lisa Brenner), an American visitor touring a sleepy, picturesque Welsh town. She's a bit of an enigma - a gutsy, wise-cracking woman who exhibits a soft, charming side that only surfaces once we delve into the story. Brenner does a remarkable job at capturing Mary's complexities and nuances, encouraging the audience to remain invested in her journey.

We first meet Mary in an admittedly awkward situation in a hotel room, where she's having a seemingly clandestine encounter with a recently separated British man named Statton (Nick Blood). As the story unfolds, we're informed that the two have barely known each other for a day. When an attempted robbery goes wrong at their hotel, this pair finds themselves haphazardly entangled in a comedic series of events that goes beyond their wildest expectations.

Statton, portrayed by Nick Blood, is a suitably frazzled and somewhat nerdy character whose comfortable, humdrum world is turned upside down due to the events in the hotel room. His talents are utilised magnificently as he navigates the slapstick humor, dramatic turn of events, and eventual character development incorporated into the storyline.

The adventurous journey begins when the mishap at the hotel room compels the mismatched pair to navigate the Welsh island to find crevices of safety amidst the impending chaos. Their interactions, spiced up with good-old British humor, and undeniable chemistry, form the backbone of the movie. It's during this journey that we begin to see the exterior shells crumbling, revealing more about their personalities and lives back home.

In comes the loveable rogue played by Celyn Jones, who manages to infuse an extra layer of intrigue to the already unpredictable narrative. Jones, an accomplished Welsh actor and writer boasting Oscar-nominated films under his belt, needs no introduction. His adept performance enlivens the story even further.

What's intriguing is how the movie explores the theme of identity. The title, Say My Name, can be seen as a recurring motif throughout this wild, unforeseen adventure, adding depth and a unique twist to the comedy genre. Even amidst the chuckles and belly laughs, moments of introspection and emotional revelations are well-plotted and executed.

Despite all the high-speed misadventures, unexpected romance, and hilarious dialogues, the soul of the film lies in the journey of finding oneself amidst chaos – a journey full of revelations, acceptance, and unveiling façades. The whole narrative is filled with delightful surprises, cheeky banter, and a genuine exploration of human relationships.

The direction by Jay Stern accentuates the comedic elements while managing to carve out soul-searching moments as required by the script. His attention to detail, cinematic brilliance, and command over sequencing are commendable. The film is also a visual celebration of the stunning Welsh landscapes, with every scene shot meticulously to showcase the hidden gem of Wales' rural countryside.

No review of Say My Name would be complete without acknowledging the splendid screenplay by Deborah Frances-White. The wit and sharpness of British comedy are flawlessly interlaced throughout the narrative, all while retaining an underlying feminist tone. It touches upon themes of emancipation, identity, and gender stereotypes without losing its comedic lane.

Say My Name offers not just an enjoyable 90-minute viewing experience but also the opportunity to engage in a story that is as hilarious as it is insightful. Filled with unpredictable twists and turns, layered characters, and intelligent humor, it's a delightful flick that explores human nature, relationships, and the way our identities are shaped by our experiences. With an impressive cast and a strong script, it indeed leaves a lasting impression.