Given their low budgets, it is important for indie film-makers to capitalise on the talent involved in their production, the financial limitations involved often resulting in a very effective creativity. Everyone’s Going To Die, the debut of writer/director Jones, can be counted among those creative efforts; a dark and witty British drama with a slender narrative that boasts a distinctive visual style, interesting characters and superb performances that combine to provide a curious twist on the rom-com.
When Melanie (Nora Tschirner) awakens at a house party dressed as Charlie Chaplin and cannot find her fiancé, she embarks on a seaside odyssey and meets Ray (Rob Knighton), an older gentleman with an air of menace [and a perfect combination of Viggo Mortensen and Mads Mikkelsen]. The two chat and journey through town, getting to know each other while stumbling into mischievous antics involving children, animals and a Wiccan cult. Meanwhile, Melanie’s relationship with her fiancé becomes strained while the nature of Ray’s vocation, along with surfacing feelings for each other, begins to threaten their pleasant day out.
EGTD melds facets of Mike Leigh, David Lynch and the Coen Brothers yet doesn’t feel like a direct nod to any of them, skirting around styles without borrowing too heavily, feeling like a distinct piece of work as a result. It’s a film defined by the manner in which Jones captures the subtle nuances of the scenery and characters while aggrandizing the performances with original, quirky scenarios.
The story wanes at the end for a restrained resolution but one that acknowledges its subgenre traits. Some of the supporting performances are weak but the relationship between the leads is brilliantly captured, featuring a star in the making performance from Nora Tschirner. While lacking narrative refinement, EGTD remains a droll seaside drama bolstered by an odd but apt soundtrack; a fascinating, flawed and modest indie that is highly impressive for a debut feature. Along with many other low-budget indie films of its ilk, EGTD will have a limited theatrical run followed by a multi-platform release but is worth seeking out on the big screen where its inimitable flavour is best savoured.
Daniel has awarded Everyone’s Going to Die three Torches of Truth
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