Sometimes Always Never

I have to admit that I’m a sucker for a quirky, gentle story and if you film it literally around the corner from where I live, then I’m going to be well disposed to it.

Sometimes Always Never is that movie, based on Frank Cotteril Boyce’s own short story it follows Alan and Peter a father and son whose lives live under the shadow cast by the disappearance of son and brother Michael.

What plays out is a gentle and charming drama lead by Bill Nighy at his most Nighy, the definition of effortless charm and Sam Riley as his detached son as they search for a missing brother while ignoring the relationship that is in front of them. Alan is always thoughtful and attentive to everyone but his remaining son, he provides wise words to his grandson, daughter-in-law and strangers and keeps his mind active with a love of scrabble and words which provides his bridge to other relationships.

The strength of the film is the central father and son narrative that beautifully explores a strained relationship as well as the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one and unfulfilled hope.

Sometime Always Never isn’t going to change the world, but it is a well played, beautifully shot, gentle journey through human emotion and as I said, shoot a film around the corner from my house, make it quirky and gentle and i’m in and with this I was.