Common People

Common People is a heartwarming and endearing slice-of-life British independent film released in 2013 that skillfully intertwines a compelling ensemble cast and stories set against the backdrop of the charming, verdant Tooting Common in southwest London. Notably, the film stars British acting stalwart Sam Kelly, critically acclaimed actress Diana Payan, and the talented Iarla McGowan.

The film tells six interlinked tales set in and around Tooting Common, spreading laughter, tears, and reflection among its audience. It's a charming portrayal of everyday Londoners, often forgotten in mainstream cinema, where their lives, hopes, dreams, and dilemmas take center stage rather than being sidelined. What makes this film stand out is its grounded and genuine depiction of ordinary people who are, in reality, extraordinarily unique in their ways.

Sam Kelly delivers a heart touching performance as Norman, a grandfather who embarks on an unusual journey of love and responsibility with his granddaughter when a parakeet flies into their flat. While Kelly's portrayal is tinged with both humor and poignancy, it's grounded in an authentic reality that resonates with viewers.

Irish actor Iarla McGowan impressively fills the shoes of Ant, a personal trainer and hopeless romantic, facing a deceptively simple conundrum - an unopened 'Will You Marry Me?' helium balloon, stuck in a tree! McGowan's earnest performance and charm bring to life the genuine and rueful humor that underlies Ant's tale.

Diana Payan, as Peggy, a book pastor with a grim prognosis, uses the art of storytelling beautifully as a coping mechanism. Through her riveting storytelling, she keeps her identify alive, which would otherwise disappear under the weight of her pending illness. Her performance is a heart-tugging exploration of the human condition and the solace found in stories.

The film's narrative draws on the full spectrum of life's experiences in an engaging and genuine way. The characters' lives, as they cross paths on the common, create a rich tapestry of humor, pathos, and celebration of life. The stories range from touching emotional reveals to laugh-out-loud situations that mirror life's contradictions and unpredictability. The tales take place over different timeframes, yet they all converge on the common, lending the film an added layer of narrative complexity.

Interestingly, each story in Common People is based on real events and real people, as observed by the writers, Stewart Alexander and Kerry Skinner, adding an extra layer of depth and realism to the film. This technique of using 'found stories' also allows the filmmakers to dissect and comment on modern life's various aspects, such as relationships, aging, and our interaction with nature.

Beyond its tales, the film shines the spotlight on a less celebrated but quintessentially London landmark, Tooting Common. The lush green common serves as more than just a backdrop; it is integral to the storylines, providing opportunities for the characters to interact, intersect and develop. The common's beauty is gorgeously captured on camera, making it an almost silent character within the film.

Snappy dialogue, coupled with fantastic performances, gives Common People its fresh energy and accessible appeal. The range of emotions encapsulated in this film, from distinctly British humor to poignant reflections on life and mortality, will keep viewers engaged throughout.

Common People is not just a movie; it's a bittersweet love-letter to London's common people and common spaces. It is an ode to ordinary lives that are extraordinarily profound, humorous and poignant in their simplicity. It's a celebration of life's joys, sorrows, and serendipities that is sure to leave viewers smiling, thinking, and perhaps even shedding a tear.

This independent film manages to be wonderfully heartwarming and thought-provoking, reminding audiences about the richness and diversity of life within a urban community. It is a captivating watch for anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted nature of humanity reflected beautifully through these characters. Excellent performances, a compelling narrative, evocative realism, and an underlying warmth, make Common People an absorbing and emotionally satisfying film. From start to finish, it's a heartening reminder of how every person has a story worth telling.