'Submarine' charming and honest

Director: Richard Ayoade

Cast: Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins, Yasmin Paige, Paddy Considine

A quite brilliant big screen directing debut for Ayoade, a little gem of a film examining the socially inept, but good hearted, 15-year-old Oliver Tate’s (Roberts) awkward attempts to lose his virginity and stop his mother (Hawkins) having it away with neighbour Considine.

Ayoade brings us a charming, but also an honest and level-headed, coming-of-age story that hits all the right notes regarding teenage anxiety and sex.

He also brings us two terrific central performances from the off-centre Roberts and the object of his fumbling affections, Jordana (Paige, playing a more worldly and far less romantic girlfriend).

Set in Wales, this is the sort of low-key British film that rises above its limitations – few, happily, though they are – to charm us with its understanding of what it is to be a teen in love and with problems.

Star Rating: 4/5