Director: Sean Durkin
Writer: Tony Grisoni
Starring: Rory Kinnear, Eddie Marsan, Mark Badham, Sean Harris, Shirley Henderson, Hayley Squires
Shown over two weeks on Channel 4 in the UK, SOUTHCLIFFE is a look at the effects a disaster can have on society as a whole set in a fictional, sleepy, town.
As seems to be the ‘in thing’ at the moment SOUTHCLIFFE is a depressing, angst filled series that challenges the viewers patience and empathy. Each episode uses a different character as its main focus, with other characters actions played out slightly in the background – although to say slightly is a mild misnomer as some of the actions and emotions on show will stay with you through the series. Stars Rory Kinnear, Eddie Marsan, Mark Badham and Sean Harris each give hugely effective performances and utilise Tony Grisoni’s despair-filled writing to full effect. MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE director Sean Durkin frames the action beautifully with wandering shots capturing Southcliffe and its sprawling, yet claustrophobic area. Durkin also supplies fantastic hard camera shots that leave the viewer to come to their own conclusions as the characters wander from view before reappearing.
Performances, writing and direction are all of the highest quality but SOUTHCLIFFE falls down in its structure. Having been split into four the drama plays out too slowly for episodes one and four, whilst the middle two parts are amongst the best things to come out of Britain in years. This disjointed feel leaves a sense of disappointment when the series finishes and as a result at the end of the fourth episode you will be left wondering what all the fuss was about early on.
Full of sad glances to the side, tears, and anger SOUTHCLIFFE is definitely not for everyone. It’s main aim seems to be to hit home the importance of community and sticking together at times of tragedy, but sadly this seems to get lost a little as the series winds down with a needless attempt at redemption tacked onto the end of the final episode. Fortunately when the series is good, it’s incredible so it’s hard not to recommend.
SOUTHCLIFFE is released on DVD August 26th
