Mysterious Creatures
72 minutes, 2006
Sun. Oct 8, 6:00PM, Sequoia
MYCR08S<Buy Tickets>
Wed. Oct 11, 9:45PM, Sequoia
MYCR11S<Buy Tickets>
Bill and Wendy Ainscow grow increasingly desperate as they struggle to cope with their adult daughter Lisa, who suffers from an undetermined ailment that causes her to behave erratically. Her compulsive spending, emotional outbursts and virulent hostility have crushed her parents, who resort to extreme measures when Britain's mental health services deem her well enough to live at home. Based on a true story, this shattering drama exposes a government bureaucracy that destroys families with its rigid, outdated definitions of mental illness. Director David Evans' tough, naturalistic style recalls that of Mike Leigh, a comparison underscored by the participation of Brenda Blethyn and Timothy Spall. The pair, who played siblings in Leigh's Secrets & Lies (MVFF 1996), offer a riveting portrayal of a decent, devoted couple whose dreams of their golden years have turned to ash. But the revelatory performance belongs to newcomer Rebekah Staton, who imbues damaged, impossible Lisa with a fearsome, merciless rage. — P. Grady
Director: David Evans
Producer: Amanda Jenks, Jake Lushington, James Burstall, Joey Attwia
Screenwriter: Gwyneth Hughes
Cinematographer: Matt Gray
Editor: Pia Di Ciaula
Cast: Brenda Blethyn, Timothy Spall, Rebekah Staton
Print Source:
Leopardrama Ltd,
1-3 St Peter's Street
London, N1 8JD
UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 704 3392
