Samantha Morton has a proved record as a actress starring in blockbusters like Minority Report, independent films like Control and even earned an Oscar nod for In America. But has a tragic past, being put into the British care system at a young age and going into children's homes and foster care. She has used her experience as the source for her writing and directional debut.
Just before Christmas Lucy (Molly Windsor) is a 11-year-old primary school who is badly beaten by her father (scumbag for hire Robert Carlyle) and when it is found out by the school Social Services get involve. Lucy is taken to a children's home, with literally only the clothes on her back. Whilst in the home Lucy is overwhelmed, not understanding the adults who speak like she is not in the room, a world where children are violence and abusive too each other and drinking and drug taking are acceptable and Lucy does not understand why she can't live with her mother (Susan Lynch). In the home Lucy is taken under the wing of 16-year-old Lauren (Lauren Socha), a mouthy chav who has been in trouble with the police. Lost in this world Lucy has to adjust quickly.
Morton shows great skill as a director and her strength is simplicity. She lets the actors do their job and by avoiding doing too many cuts or over the shoulder shots. The beginning is very hallowing, starting a voice-over by Lucy saying a biblical quote and then a single shot scene seeing the Lucy's father slowly loosing his temper. That had more power because it felt like you were in the room. Morton continues a harsh traditional of British kitchen sink realism.
The script itself shows that the social care is something that even the most smartest child would not understand. A young child will have a more simple view of the world and just wants to be in a loving situation. Within the care system it shows that some people really do care, particularly a woman called Vicky (Andrea Lowe), who takes Lucy shopping, but even she is guilty of speaking like Lucy is not around. Other care workers were more bureaucratic or some like Ben (Craig Parkingson) who takes the approach of being the children's friend. The best approach would be someone who is both an authority figure who is also caring. The children's home is shown to be mismanaged, with the staff arguing amongst themselves and a social worker saying she was not able see Lucy because she did not receive her patrol money (because the welfare of the children isn't important).
The acting was a high standard, particularly from Windsor, an incredible young actress. She had an tough job and she does it well, playing a meek child who is confused and easily lead. She is a good child and performance felt so natural and real. Some people may complain she is a passive character: but what do you expect, she is an ordinary child forced into a situation. She just has to go with the flow. Robert Carlyle is always good in any role he plays, and he is truly a horrible man in what is a very raw performance. But he also playing a real character, not just a cartoon monster.
This was a real film, the language, character and settings were believable. This a tough film and not one for the faint hearted. But I do have a couple of minor problems with the film. The first is that I felt like we need to see a result involving Ben who raped Lauren and was in the middle of an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old. The other is I would have liked to have know what happened to Lucy, did she end up staying in the children's home, go into foster care or get to live with her mum or another family member.
But overall The Unloved is a very worthy film.
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