London Film Festival – Review: The Fight (2018)

Whenever a well-known actor makes their directorial debut, there is an extra bit of pressure/interest that colours its reception.  This is certainly the case with Jessica Hynes (Spaced, W1A) and her new film ‘The Fight’, but thankfully, Hynes sails though with flying colours.

For her debut, Hynes has chosen a family drama, dealing with relationships, dysfunction and life’s anxieties.  I’ve seen it suggested that it’s a slight step away from how you would normally expect to see her, and a bit unusual, but as a diverse and accomplished actor her success here shouldn’t be a surprise.

The story revolves around a mother of three, Tina (Hynes), who is struggling to keep up with daily life.  Working full time, and with her husband Mick (Shaun Parkes – The River, Hooten and the Lady, Lost In Space) working nightshifts, the couple’s relationship is strained and their parenting like a tag team sport.  Her daily grind has left her battling anxiety, as well as unresolved anger issues, which she is trying to combat by using relaxation tapes and avoiding uncomfortable situations as much as possible; even to the point that she is brusquely finishing phone calls from her Mother (Anita Dobson – Eastenders, The Rebel).  Into the mix comes added pressure, as her eldest daughter Emma (Sennia Nanua), is being bullied at school by Jordan (Liv Hill), the daughter of an old rival, Amanda (Rhona Mitra – The Last Ship, The Gates, Strike Back).  As a route out of her stresses, Tina turns to boxing, under the guidance of Viv (Cathy Tyson – Mona Lisa, Band of Gold, The Marker, Serpent and the Rainbow).

One of the impressive things about this film is the excellent cast, who are fantastic throughout.  Not only has Jessica Hynes cast well, there are also some great performances that are slightly unusual, e.g. Rhona Mitra, who we are used to seeing in more action orientated, glamorous, or military type roles, but here plays the downtrodden former rival.  The kids also fare well, with there being an effective and believable antagonism between Hill and Nanua, with Hill also showing great emotional vulnerability in the home life scenes.  Similarly, it is good to see Anita Dobson and the always brilliant Christopher Fairbank (Guardians of the Galaxy, Papillon, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) here as Tina’s parents, who give raw and tender performances.

This story will touch many viewers, who will understand and resonate with both the pressures of modern life displayed, as well as the central themes of communication and pain.  The universal feeling that the demands of life piling up and the breakdown in the marriage are well rendered here, with the slow creep of bitterness and begrudging compromise seeping in.  This is mirrored in her parent’s relationship as well, serving as a warning, as well as a chance to view that dynamic objectively.

Within the plot there are a lot of nice touches showing how Tina’s past has shaped her present, with a nice switch that reveals a nagging sense of regret and unhappiness.

All of the aforementioned may make it seem that this film is a rather dour piece, but it has a lot of humour in there, and a hopeful side, with even some moments of joy.  Like life itself, this is a mixed bag of emotions, and things aren’t always easy.

What you get here is a highly realistic portrayal of a family, and a mother, coming to terms with both their own past, but also how upbringing can leave ripples or marks across your life, affecting you beyond the initial situation.

Filmed in Folkestone, where she lives, Hynes has used the town well, giving a sense of small town community and familiar family life.  This is not a life in the hustle and bustle of the city, nor an idyllic countryside affair, but the mundane existence many will recognise.  Cinematographer Ryan Eddleston has managed to capture both the day to day of the town, in all its glory and drabness, but also given a personal touch, focusing on the faces and emotion of the characters, drawing you into their thoughts.

This is an accomplished film, and hopefully will be a springboard for more directing for Jessica Hynes, as she has a great feel for character, emotional depth, and authenticity.  At times dark, funny, bleak, but also uplifting, this is worthy of your time, so keep an eye out for it!