Scarborough

In 2018, director Barnaby Southcombe brought to the big screen "Scarborough", an emotionally charged and controversial drama starring Jessica Barden, Jordan Bolger, Edward Hogg, and Jodhi May. Set against an undercurrent of quiet desperation and forbidden attraction, Scarborough offers an intriguing exploration of love, morality, and the societal confines that dictate right and wrong.

Scarborough sets the stage in the atmospheric and somewhat melancholic backdrop of a coastal town in northern England whose name gives the film its title. Known for its transient beauty, the osmotic town of Scarborough mirrors the transience and tumultuousness of the relationships portrayed in the film.

Excels in its character-driven narrative, Jessica Barden, renowned for her role in The End Of The F***ing World, intricately portrays the disheveled Daphne, a teacher involved in an inappropriate relationship with a much younger student, Aiden, performed brilliantly by Jordan Bolger, known for his work in Peaky Blinders. This pair's passionate escapade, however, is just one of the two illicit relationships depicted. Parallelly, another relationship, of identical dynamics, unfolds between the characters of Liz, interpreted by Jodhi May, and Beth, given life by Edward Hogg. As the film progresses, we are poised on a knife-edge between knowing something should not be and yet distantly understanding why it is.

Barden and Bolger’s performances are powerfully raw and intelligent, with their characters' shared weekend in Scarborough exploring the complexities of a forbidden relationship, exposing the vulnerabilities and manipulation involved in their subtle dynamics. On the other hand, May and Hogg's performances are equally unsettling, filled with silent moments that speak louder than words, often touching on the frightening nature of grooming.

Southcombe, who also wrote the screenplay based on the play by Fiona Evans, intelligently manages to make us question our own sense of morality, all while exposing the brutal reality of manipulation. The narrative does not condone the adults' acts but focuses on exploring these relationships' psychological complexities.

Visually, Scarborough is as compelling as its narrative. The cinematic aesthetic beautifully links the moody seaside town's rainy, desolate beauty with the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the film's controversial theme. The relentless rhythm of the seafaring waves echo the turbulent emotions that indefatigably crash through this ambitious narrative. The movie possesses an uncanny ability to capture the fading British seaside's stark contrast, with its candy-colored beach huts and rusty Victorian cliff lifts, all adding to the unsettling off-season vibe of the film.

The soundtrack of the film, laden with timeless pieces, enhances the sensory experience of Scarborough, adding an emotionally resonant melody that echoes the tumultuous feelings of the characters. The sound design is skillful and immersive, carefully amplifying the reality of certain situations while softening others, contributing to a well-rounded cinematic experience.

Production design and wardrobe too play a critical part in storytelling. Attention to detail in the character's appearance and settings they occupy help enhance the plot's realism, transporting the audience into the lives of these extraordinarily complex characters. Each frame is a testament to the craftsmanship that has gone into creating this visually stunning piece of cinema.

However, it's the sincere performances, the beautiful use of a tired seaside town as a backdrop, and its ability to provoke discussion that make "Scarborough" a film worthy of attention. Provocative, emotionally raw, and nervously stirring, "Scarborough" is not a movie that seeks to comfort its audience. Instead, it invites them to grapple with morally complex situations that shake their very perception of right and wrong.

"Scarborough" is more than just a controversial film; it's a piece of art layered with a myriad of controversial issues worth talking about. It is a bold exploration of uncomfortable topics that blurs the line between predator and prey, challenges the societal constructs, and intricacies of love and lust, power and manipulation. While its narrative might be uncomfortable and contentious, it boldly brings to light the shadows and complexities that exist within society.