Living
Welcome to Breakout, the MASSIVE scheme sending 12 first-time writers to London Film Festival to write their debut professional film reviews. For the 12 days following the 12 days of the festival, we’ll be publishing the writing of our chosen stars to celebrate cinema at its finest and introduce you to the next generation’s most promising new critics.
Next up, Newcastle’s Poppy Oxberry reviews Living.
A beautiful story beautifully told, Oliver Hermanus’ Living is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 movie Ikiru, transporting it from Tokyo to post-war London. This simple yet impactful story follows self-professed gentleman Mr Williams (Bill Nighy) on a journey of discovery after learning he doesn’t have long to live.
As Williams seeks ways to change his mundane existence he attempts to run away from his fate, turning first to drink and excess. But, as an unlikely friendship with his young employee Margaret Harris (Aimee Lou Wood) grows, his appreciation for living grows too, and Williams realises how he can still help those he once ignored.
Living is an inaction movie in that it is something of a mood piece. It poetically unfolds, as an ode to Williams’ loneliness, perfectly portrayed by Nighy who embodies the idea of just existing. But it is the harsh reality of the fragility of life that drives the story forward, and as the film builds to its natural conclusion, we see the story through the eyes of those closest to him – his coworkers.
Director Oliver Hermanus uses long takes to evoke emotion and bring the audience into Williams’ mundane and bureaucratic world, where even the smallest changes can feel monumental. He also uses visual motifs to reinforce Williams’ journey. Most notably an arcade claw machine symbolises how, for some, life is always out of reach while others grasp it with ease.
The film frames some heartrending moments where Williams reminisces on his past and contemplates how to break the diagnosis to his son. However, this leads to a wonderfully awkward, and very British, dinner scene which offers a chance for relief and humour.
These moments are what makes the film so wonderful, highlighting the beauty and importance of Living.
Poppy Oxberry is a student based in the North East of England, currently studying Film, Media and History. Her favourite films are Little Women, Jojo Rabbit and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.
Living will be released in UK cinemas on November 2. Check back here for more Breakout reviews.