The Rise

The Rise is a British crime drama film released in 2012 and directed by Rowan Athale. Starring a promising cast including Vanessa Kirby, Iwan Rheon, and Matthew Lewis, the film offers a compelling narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Northern England, The Rise showcases a group of misunderstood friends - their camaraderie, their shared grievances, and an audacious mission that brings them together. Known for their local mischief, these friends find themselves entrenched in a dire situation following a botched job. The film skillfully captures the complex dynamics between friends navigating precarious circumstances. It dares to question morality and the lengths people would go to secure their freedom.

Matthew Lewis, known for his role in the Harry Potter series, emerges in the lead role of Harvey, shifting smoothly from boyhood charm to a serious, hardened individual. After suffering in more ways than one, Harvey's desire for retribution fuels the narrative throughout the film. Quickly shedding off his 'Neville Longbottom' persona, Lewis portrays a character that fits snugly into the hard-knocks life of inner-city northern England.

Vanessa Kirby, widely recognized for her role in 'The Crown', graces the film with a remarkable performance as Michelle, Harvey’s girlfriend, bringing an emotional depth to the narrative. Her character stands out as a beacon of reason and fortitude, adding a rich layer to the plot development.

On the other hand, Iwan Rheon churns out yet another intense performance as Dempsey, adopting a persona distinct from his roles in Game of Thrones or Misfits. Dempsey, whose character is known for his icy demeanor and calculated strategies, is a hot-head and fierce individual who proves indispensable to Harvey’s ambitious plan.

The Rise is more than just a crime movie; it is a story about friendship and retribution, encompassing themes of loyalty and determination on a backdrop of despair and desperation. Each character has their own story to tell, their own demons to battle that adds layers of depth to the plot. It's a character-driven narrative that steadily peels off their veneers, revealing their raw, intimate selves underneath, imbuing the story with a sense of realism that's palpable.

The backdrop of the film and the cinematography offers a view of Northern England that is vibrant and brutally honest. Rowan Athale does a stellar job in extracting the nuanced performances from the actors and successfully juxtaposing the emotionally drained setting with the characters' fiery determination to rise against their crippling circumstances.

The finality of the plot is veiled with suspense and the audience is left guessing the fate of the characters as they navigate one hurdle after another. The narrative quickly picks up pace as this resilient group embarks on their risk-ridden mission lending the film a dash of suspense that keeps the viewers at the edge of their seats.

All elements combined, The Rise showcases its lead actors’ potential, delivers a gripping narrative, and wonderfully captures the essence of desperation, revenge, and redemption. This film exemplifies the unwavering spirit of friendship and determination in the face of adversity. An impressive movie that's well worth a watch.