Wah Wah is a tormented tale of family dysfunction

Wah Wah

Director: Richard E. Grant

Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Gabriel Byrne, Miranda Richardson, Emily Watson

Cert: 15

Something of a personal testimony from debut director Grant since this interesting tale is set in late l960s Swaziland at the time of independence and mirrors the English actor’s own boyhood in Africa.

It is a tormented tale of family dysfunction and would certainly had been much, much better if Grant had not concentrated quite so much on a series of events and tried to lay down a firmer narrative.

But otherwise it is a strong first outing as a director, aided by some excellent playing, none more so than that of Byrne as the father who sinks into booze after the departure of his wife.

Star Rating: 3/5