hypnotic vision of young love and escapism

Set in rural Yorkshire the story focuses on the impressionable Mona and her new found friendship with spoilt rich-kid Tamsin. As the summer progresses so does their relationship, Mona becoming drawn towards Tamsin?s bitter view of life and exacting schoolgirl revenge on the men in their lives. Their eventual progression to lovers is delicately handled and both newcomers Natalie Press & Emily Blunt are excellent in the lead roles. Paddy Considine also giving another edgy performance as Mona?s born-again Christian brother who has turned to God since his release from prison.

Beautifully shot and despite the resemblance to Heavenly Creatures the end result is an hypnotic vision of young love and escapism. Although nothing particularly new and not as powerful as Pawel Pawlikowski?s previous film, Last Resort, this is well worth a watch.