Two old friends spend a day together in Brighton where they try to have fun and forget about their individual problems in the short film inspired by French New Cinema Sous Le Courant.
There’s no doubt about it, French cinema has inspired many a filmmaker throughout the years. From (quite) modern masters such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Luc Besson to classic cinema maestros like Francois Truffaut and Agnes Verde, the trademarks can be seen in movies from all over the world, even to this day.
Here we have a British short film by young director Jacob Melling, that is not only inspired by French cinema, but it is also dedicated to the legendary Jean-Luc Godard.
Lou (played by Jerry Iwu from Sex Education) travels via train to meet his old friend Rene (Georgia Sansom from Blood, Sex & Royalty) in Brighton. After reconnecting whilst walking along the beach, the two tease each other over missing one another’s birthdays. It is here that Lou gives Rene her belated birthday present – a small plastic bag containing drugs painted like the French flag. After dropping the pills with a swig of beer from their bottles, the two set off along the Brighton high street, having fun and playing around.
Once the drugs start to kick in, the film changes aspect ratio, the grade turns black and white, and the characters change costumes into something more…well, French.
Everything is going well, as well as can be for a drug-fuelled trip, but they are snapped back to reality when Rene starts to accost an innocent bystander on the Brighton promenade. Confused and disappointed by his friend’s actions, Lou then takes Rene back to her apartment, where her drinking continues. Then in the middle of the night, Rene overhears Lou on the phone having a personal conversation and it looks like their friendship may be fractured.
Sous Le Courant is a gorgeous-looking film, lensed by cinematographer Jonathan Hart. From the fluidity of his modern-day shots, to his camera work during the black-and-white section, the short film is just beautiful to look at. Going hand-in-hand with the visuals is the score which is rich and melodic too, thanks to a version of La Vie En Rose by Celeste. The song just screams dreamy, whispery cinema. Gorgeous.
The performances by the two actors are very strong, and even though neither Jerry Iwu nor Georgia Sansom have a lot of credits to their name yet, that will surely change, especially if any casting directors are lucky enough to witness their performances in this.
As a young director learning the craft, Jacob Melling has done exceptionally well here. If he continues to put out such quality, he will definitely make a name for himself. Exceptional work from all involved.
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