It's the start of the sweltering summer of 1976, and the end of term is approaching at a secondary school in Swansea. Idealistic drama teacher Vivienne (Minnie Driver) is holding rehearsals for an ambitious musical production, a take on The Tempest that incorporates the contemporary songs of her pupils' pop heroes, a version of the play that 'both Shakespeare and David Bowie could be proud of'. She faces an uphill battle. Her cynical colleagues aren't shy about voicing philistine opinions on the project, there are concerns from parents, and the kids are distracted by the business of being teenagers; arguing with adults, playing in bands, cooling off at the lido, worrying about their post-school futures and falling in and out of love. Vivienne ploughs on doggedly, inspired by the kids' talent and the deeply-held belief that music and the arts matter. Marc Evans' latest feature is a sweet and sincere paean to the 1970s, an invigorating blend of genres, neither a traditional social realist film nor a straight musical. With a refreshing lack of cynicism, its soundtrack celebrates pre-punk pop, and features stirring versions of songs made famous by Bowie, Nick Drake, ELO and The Beach Boys, among others.
Michael Hayden
London Film Festival