WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A system of abuse and the yearning to elude and be free of it. A sad truth dictates that as much as we desire to witness a world of understanding, acceptance, and genuine adoration when it comes to our personal interactions with those we deem closest to us, the reality can sometimes be jarringly opposite and filled with anguish and anxiety instead. As this is difficult enough when it comes to adults perpetrating such instances against each other, what happens when the ramifications of it all spill over to children? Nine-year old Ellie (Elle Atkinson) and her best friend Pete (David Price) find solace in a local scrapyard where she especially strives to put behind the overt ugliness of her home life. Fed up but also saddened with her mother Lisa’s (Caroline Lazarus) plight with current paramour Alfie (Jermaine Ricketts), how far will Ellie go to find peace?
Next, my Mind:
An abbreviated but wholly stirring, provocatively candid exposé into the actualities of physical, mental, and substance abuse that illustrates the deeply experienced, soul crushing reverberations it all manifests as seen through the eyes of innocence, this 16-minute indie short film from writer/director Vasco Alexandre, dialogue writer Justin Scher-Smith, and collaborating writer/producer Billy King delivers its highly moving, realistically executed portrayal of the price paid and ingenuity spawned by harsh circumstances with absolute purpose and awareness-raising power. It is one of those films that this critic personally feels is, though sadly, a necessity in order to continue to shine a revealing light on the subject matter at hand, keep it fresh in our minds, and ideally cause even more prudent, non-delayed action in us as individuals to find every means needed to STOP maltreatment in all forms that we might see a better world because of it.
Thanks to an intelligently written and presented narrative that highlights the circumstances a young girl exists within, the manner by which she attempts to cope with them, the resolve demonstrated to see it all change for the better, and the steps she then chooses to do so, it creates such a wonderfully influential atmosphere of both undeniable joy and heartbreaking sorrow. This, therefore, works deftly to draw the viewer into the tale, hold our attention, and provokes longing for a resolution that we wish might occur. It’s the magic of personal stories, and yet again of indie film as a genre, in providing a scenario that isn’t only meant for cinematic entertainment, but rather to intentionally make a point, drive it home, and do so via then leaving an indelible impression upon us. This critic felt that was accomplished here on all fronts, made even more effective by telling said account with children as the primary antagonists.
Additionally, I very much appreciated the visual methodology utilized for the film, as it beautifully captures the essence of every thematic turn the project takes, from its depiction of childhood’s exuberance about, fascination in, and creativity with what so much of the world would call mundane or, in this case, literal junk while likewise showcasing the poignantly affecting impact of building anger, frustration, and determination to see a bad situation come to an end. Also, not shying away from its forays into abuse that are mainly veiled but still so blatantly clear, it allows the viewer’s mind to envision what is occurring, which honestly makes it more disturbing and compelling. Even the music score manages to elicit a whimsical air of “freedom” in the midst of a foundationally dark story, and it fills you with hope, leading to the effort’s finale that WILL totally inspire you to tears, at least it did for this critic.
Must I keep having to repeat myself when it comes to the fact that I am STILL consistently amazed by the skill of child actors?? Once more we tread into that same thought process starting with Atkinson via her role here as Ellie, a precocious yet responsible and very adept 9-year-old girl who finds herself fleeing an awful reality at home when her mom’s current lover is more than a nightmare. Finding her liberation in the local scrapyard along with best pal Pete, she has forged an unlikely yet utterly believable safe space that soon she longs to reveal. Will she take the steps needed to see this come about is what unfolds and watching Ellie’s journey is one of such heartfelt acknowledgements of her pain, pride, and desire to improve her life and her mom’s. Throughout the film, Atkinson shines so brightly with dramatic playfulness paired with a depth of solidly enacted gravitas that belies her age. A true artist in the making for me and love seeing new stars on the rise, which I feel Atkinson assuredly is.
Price certainly handles himself with a firmly rooted performance as Ellie’s best pal Pete, a boy heralding from a broken home himself and who understandably finds himself drawn to a kindred spirit in Ellie, aiding her in seeing their own little slice of life grow while, at first, reluctantly getting recruited into a potentially unnerving scheme to change her state of affairs. It’s a fun role and one Price acts out with playfully engaging effort. Lazarus emotively embodies the reality of both (and mostly) involuntarily sustained and some self-inflicted misery through her appearance as Lisa, Ellie’s longsuffering mother who adores her child but find herself in an evidently perpetuating cycle of alcohol and bad men, confronting the consequences of both, yet then discovering a secret and possible path to redemption. Finally, Ricketts exudes a highly apropos air of smoldering menace both on and off screen as Alfie, Lisa’s abuser who more than paints the portrait of just HOW manipulative and violent a man like him can be. It’s a quietly harrowing air Ricketts imbues the character with, doing so via a perfectly convincing performance.
So, in total, with its myriad of themes explored both metaphorically and literally, “Yard Kings” speaks to the human condition unapologetically and with unfaltering weight, illuminating the demolition of love in the face of a twisted, deconstructed idea about it, exposing the truths of abuse, its symptoms and ripple effects, and what it is to attempt to dwell with it or otherwise make a decision to abscond from it. Likewise, it’s the tapestry of a child’s ability to become a catalyst for the latter, a view of the world they inhabit and recognize with a level of comprehension most might not believe they have, finding the road less traveled to the aforementioned release so desperately needed. Let’s PREVENT abuse, folks. It’s possible when we’re willing to address it, recognize it, and show sincere compassion to those in it.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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