Ray Leach

This film grabs you by the shoulders and shakes the tears from you. It is a truly cathartic watch that feels satisfying, nostalgic and charming. If you go to the cinema this September, Scrapper (diretor Charlotte Regan’s debut feature) should be your first choice.

You can’t help but become obsessed with the lead, Georgie (Lola Campbell). In her debut role, Campbell demonstrates a mature understanding of comedic timing, which is made even better when you find out that some of the scenes between Georgie and Jacob were improvised.

Jacob (Harris Dickinson) is Georgie’s estranged father, and without giving away too much, the development of their relationship is truly beautiful. Georgie is a capable, confident, witty and mature kid but deep down she’s grieving and needs a support system, just like all of us.

I didn’t think you needed me.

Jacob

Scrapper portrays modern-day working-class Britain from a refreshingly colourful perspective. Regan uses onscreen text and animation to get the audience inside the mind of a 12-year-old. She uses unconventional techniques, such as confessional interviews, to convey more about how the community views young Georgie. Regan cleverly contrasts the bleak subject matter with bold, bright visuals. This film has it all, and I keenly look forward to Regan’s future film gems.

A comedic motif throughout the film is the dopey, useless social services at school. This is one example of many that utilises comedy to lighten up serious subject matter. Regan has a way of nodding our heads towards important topics without overwhelming despair or shame.

Throughout the making of the film, improvisation was used in order to create a more authentic dynamic between Georgie and Jacob. Georgie’s playful energy creeps out once her guard is down, and we can see that Jacob is learning from her.

“Now I know you, I kinda can’t… not know you”. Cue the tears.