Balance, Not Symmetry

Nothing really works in this underwhelming drama: the sad scenes aren't sad; the uplifting scenes aren't uplifting; moments that should be dramatic have no impact. Set in Glasgow, it follows an American-born art student named Caitlin (played by BlacKkKlansman's Laura Harrier). After the death of her father, Caitlin feels lost, caught between a crucial art project and her grief-stricken mother (Kate Dickie). That the actors are largely improvising their dialogue is clear, since some of them are struggling. If you like Scottish rock group Biffy Clyro, you'll be pleased to know that they provide the soundtrack. Even so, the songs are often loud and intrusive. Plus, they don't always match the tone of the scene (for example, an upbeat song plays while Caitlin stares at her dead father). The film was co-written by a musician (Biffy's Simon Neil), which makes it all the more surprising that it has no flow or rhythm.