Set the Thames on Fire

Set the Thames on Fire is a 2015 British film that harnesses a blend of comedy, drama, and bittersweet whimsy to tell a story that is as imaginative as it is haunting. It's a film underpinned by dark humor and an unnerving dystopian backdrop, pairing well-known names such as Donna Preston, Sadie Frost, and Noel Fielding in unpredictable, layered roles.

A directorial work of Ben Charles Edwards, the movie encapsulates a surrealist's dream and dystopian enthusiast's nightmare, twisted together in the most tantalizing way possible. Screenwriter Al Joshua ingeniously infuses dark comedy, cliché-breaking narratives, and an undertone of sentimentality in a world that seems void of hope. His unique, absurd, yet uncannily familiar society is presented on screen with beautiful cinematography and commendable set-design, creating an implausible yet plausible version of the once-idyllic London.

The story is a quite otherworldly journey of two boys - Art, played by the captivating Michael Winder, and Sal, brought to life by the charming Max Bennett. Art and Sal are struggling musicians navigating through a ruined, dystopian London submerged by the polluted Thames River, their lives driven by the shared dream of escaping this terrifying world. The camaraderie and hope they find in each other’s company and the trial and tribulations they come across throughout this odyssey are at the foreground of this narrative.

The film boasts an understated but effective performance by Donna Preston, who portrays a cryptic, eccentric character named Dickie, who helps set the mood of the film. Sadie Frost also pitches in a compelling performance as the tough, world-weary Colette, painting a grim and gritty picture of the dystopian world they live in. Comedy icon Noel Fielding is unmissable in an outrageous character unprecedented in his career. Sally Phillips, David Hoyle, and Lily Loveless also add their unique touch to this intriguing casting assembly, contributing to the movie's unique tone.

Set the Thames on Fire goes beyond than just its riveting story; the artistic direction and strong screenplay create nuanced layers of meaning that viewers can peel back. It paints a darkly surreal vision of an apocalyptic future, where familiar London landmarks stand ruined and desolate, the cruel sea-level rise has turned once lively city areas into murky, dangerous marshlands. The river Thames has metamorphosed into toxic, overrun waterways, cruelly dominating over the survivors of this shattered metropolis.

Despite its dystopian narrative, the film doesn't restrict itself to the desolation and hopelessness of its setting. On the contrary, it highlights the strength of the human spirit, the resilience of friendship, the enduring power of dreams, and the stubbornness of hope in an increasingly hopeless scenario.

Musically, the film is a treasure trove. The soundtrack includes original compositions and contributions from renowned names like UNKLE’s James Lavelle and British Sea Power, who perfectly translate the film’s ethos into their music. The compelling score goes hand in hand with the dreary visuals, tying up the narrative neatly while adding an emotive layer to the unfolding drama.

Ultimately, Set the Thames on Fire successfully creates a visualize a grotesquely beautiful, dystopian world through its deeply dark humor, combined with heartfelt moments of human interaction, struggles, and dreams. This is a film that doesn't shy away from exploring devastation but balances it with heart-wrenching performances and a narrative infused with a sense of hope. At its core, the film is a study of resilience, camaraderie and, importantly, of how our shared dreams and friendship can push us through the rough terrains of life, no matter how hopeless or terrifying.