Help (2021 theatrical film)
| Help | |
|---|---|
| File:HELP - Poster copy.png | |
| Directed by | Blake Ridder |
| Written by | Blake Ridder |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Samuel Pearce |
| Edited by | Blake Ridder |
| Music by | Ruth Chan |
Production company | Ridder Films |
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £40,000 |
Help is an upcoming British psychological thriller film written and directed by Blake Ridder, produced in association with Lucas A. Ferrara. The film stars Emily Redpath, Sarah Alexandra Marks, and Louis James with a celebrity cameo of Duncan James.[1]
Plot
A painful break up prompts Grace to visit her friend Liv who is living in the idyllic English countryside with her boyfriend Edward and his dog Polly. The trio start the weekend in high spirits but soon turns into chaos, as well-kept secrets are exposed and the friends come to see each other in a whole new light.
Cast
- Emily Redpath as Grace
- Sarah Alexandra Marks as Liv
- Louis James as Edward
- Blake Ridder as David
- Duncan James as Jogger
- Stuart Wolfe-Murray as Chris
- Amy Jim as Barbara
Production
Ridder chose to create Help as he had wanted to film a thriller and also wanted to "tell a story that is universal, something that everyone can relate to – manipulation, obsession and love". He drew upon knowledge and feedback gleaned from his prior filmmaking experiences and also included "a lot of my own experiences from life." Filming took place in Somerset during a twelve day period and the movie's cast and crew were required to isolate prior to the shoot, as it took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.They were also required to have daily temperature checks, while any visitors had to also social distance and wear a mask.[1]
Reception
Film Threat reviewed Help, writing that "Be patient with the plot, including a story of a lesbian encounter that seems only to exist to be provocative. It’s there for a reason and plays into the ultimate payoff at the end. It’s worth the wait."[2] Film Daily also reviewed the film, which they likened to a jigsaw puzzle as "you feel rewarded the minute you get to the end."[3]
References
- ^ a b Stein, Frankie. "Dare to explore 'HELP': Get to know the indie film's cast and crew". Film Daily.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Ng, Alan (2021-01-10). "Help". Film Threat. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Wade, Bethany (2021-01-13). "'HELP' is the indie thriller you need to add to your film night". Film Daily. Retrieved 2021-01-15.