This is a coming of age story based in the world of middle class teenagers in West London. I touched on the plot in my preview blog post – here which charts my initial thoughts prior to viewing the film, but I will remind and update you on my thoughts in this post.
Firstly, I can reveal that there is much more to this movie than is shown in the trailer, what I mean, is that the film is much deeper than the trailer suggests and that was a lovely surprise.
Have a peek at the trailer again…
The story
Jack (Will Poulter) is on a Gap Year (much to his father’s disapproval) with plans to travel with best friend Tom (Jamie Blackley) before attending University the following year, but when he meets the mysterious Evelyn (Alma Jodorowsky), his life takes a different direction – See my Kids in Love Preview Post for more.
Will Poulter is fantastic as Jack, the typical middle class 18yr old who has just finished his A Levels and is wondering which path he wishes to pursue. Will plays the confusion and emotion felt by many teenagers of this age, superbly.
He reminds us what a confusing time it can be, leaving school, losing old friends, wondering if you should get a job, travel or remain in education, not to mention the pressure put on young people by well-meaning parents and family friends.
I’d say the timing of this film is perfect, as many young people are probably in this decision making situation as I type.
Jack is infatuated with Evelyn & his priorites start to change as he witnesses the lifestyle of Evelyn and her friends including Viola (Cara Delevingne). These other young adults, not much older than himself, seem to have the perfect life of parties, sleeping late, a big house to themselves and no adults telling them what to do!
This in turn, makes Jack start to resent the pressure and restrictions coming from his parents and best friend Tom, and starts to put a strain on those relationships.
I felt like screaming at the screen “No Jack, this Evelyn is NOT worth losing all this!” but I had to just hope he’ll work this out for himself in time.
But as Jack hangs out with further with his new ‘crew’, he starts to notice the cracks in their lives and quickly learns that all is not what it seems on the surface.
I could relate to some of Jack’s feelings, especially if like me, you had/have quite strict parents who want the best for you and all you can see is the freedom that some of your friends have…who seem to be allowed to go anywhere they want, with whom they want, no questions asked!
The grass may seem greener on the other side…but is it?
Evelyn, comes across at first as a good time party girl without a care in the world, but then I watched how she was treating Jack and started to dislike her manipulative, attention-seeking ways…but when we get to know her a bit more, she is actually quite likeable and her behaviour is understandable once you learn her background. Alma Jodorowsky has done a great job playing Evelyn.
Preston Thompson who plays Cassius, deserves a special mention, he was a light-hearted breath of fresh air at times, providing much needed comedy when the storylines got darker or more mysterious.
The end of the movie had me wanting to know more. I want to know what happens to them all afterwards, and that’s the sign of a movie with some strong characters…dare I ask for a Kids in Love 2?
It’s a good movie, well worth a watch. Great timing for those contemplating or about to embark on a gap year – I’d say get down to the cinema – sharp-ish!
Enjoy.
Chanel 🙂
Chanel Williams
wonderful issues altogether, you simply won a new reader. I want to see this.
Just saw this movie, Cara was beautiful as usual – Love that girl!
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. Cara is the best! The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart
Really enjoyed this blog article.Much thanks again. Much obliged
wow, awesome blog.Really thank you! Really Great.