Sometimes Always Never

Sometimes Always Never is a 2018 British drama-comedy film directed by Carl Hunter, written by Frank Cottrell Boyce, and stars English film industry veteran Bill Nighy, alongside Sam Riley, Alice Lowe, Jenny Agutter, and Tim McInnerny. The film is essentially a journey of self-discovery, family reconciliation, and a deep dive into the daunting emotions experienced by characters undergoing immense personal strains, often expressed using offbeat comedy and a hint of surrealism. It is a genuine, heartfelt, and intriguing exploration of themes of loss, identity, and family bonds that leaves viewers pondering long after they've watched the film.

The movie follows the journey of Alan (played by Bill Nighy), a stylish and quirky tailor with a passion for Scrabble. Alan is shown to be struggling with weaving his family back together after a strong tussle over a game of Scrabble leads to his son walking out on the family, and, subsequently, going missing. Nighy showcases a stellar performance with his signature blend of awkward charm and deep-seated emotions portraying an obsessive father who clings to the hope that his missing son will return. Typical of Nighy’s style, the character uses wit and a calm demeanor to disguise the deep pain and the wild desperation he carries around the mystery of his lost son.

Sam Riley plays Peter, Alan’s other son, who lives in the shadow of his missing brother, feeling somewhat inadequate and conflicted with lived experience of being the son left behind, even though he staunchly supports his father throughout the search for his missing brother. Riley showcases a compelling performance of a son stuck in a limbo of emotions, trying to deal with the unresolved family drama.

Alice Lowe steps into the role of Peter's wife Sue, who feels exasperated in dealing with Alan and his obsession with the board game and his absent son, twists that add a unique mix of drama and comic relief to the movie. Alice's performance is commendable as she provides the anchor in this turbulent family dynamics.

Sometimes Always Never seamlessly transitions between heartrending emotional scenes and unique instances of visual comedy. It explores the subtleties of human relationships and interactions, weaving a captivating narrative that captivates the audience, complemented by brilliant, nuanced performances from the ensemble cast.

The cinematography in the film is truly noteworthy, with its eccentrically stylish visuals and metaphorically rich imagery, which adds depth to the storytelling. The aesthetic of the film, combined with a whimsical and dreamy score, sets a captivating and, at times, an eerily surreal ambiance that draws viewers into the narrative.

The setting of Scrabble as a metaphor throughout the movie interestingly captures varying facets of life, relationships, and communication. Director Carl Hunter and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce cleverly use the game to explore themes of connection, estrangement, loss, and introspection, adding a distinctive charm to the story.

The film is laced with British humour, often dry and nuanced, which lightens the emotional intensity of the narrative while still maintaining the dramatic undertones. The dialogue is peppered with wit and sharp humor and at the same time serves as a vessel of catharsis for the characters, a testament to Boyce’s distinctive writing prowess.

Sometimes Always Never is a film that combines a heartbreaking story with innovative visual storytelling, offbeat humor, and deeply emotive performances. It is a film about love, loss, and words unspoken; a captivating narrative about a family dealing with unresolved grief and how they navigate the complexities of connection and loss. Crafted with an innovative flair of creativity, the film is a hidden gem that offers a deeply emotional and thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll. With its slice-of-life narrative, overarching theme of acceptance and reconciliation, and strong performances, the film leaves an enduring mark on its audience.