vintage Andrea Arnold gritty misery-purposed social realism combined with pretty unexpected spiritual tones, strangely analogous to how I imagine Hayao Miyazaki's work might feel adapted for live-action. Oh, also Coldplay and toads. A film that, based on the description, is for sure a difficult mix to pull off, and I know many people who it didn't quite capture, but for me, it very much worked. Arnold's ability to represent working-class Britain has long been almost unrivalled, capturing the lowest of the lows yet being laced with optimistic bits. Only paralleled this century by the work of Shane Meadows, both masterminds at the forefront of contemporary British social realism. This is essentially a genre-blend in the most Andrea Arnold sense; if you already admire her work (as I do), you'll undoubtedly get something out of it - perhaps even a few tears, as I did. So much credit should be given to the cast, as this is unquestionably one of the best ensembles of the year, particularly Franz Rogowski & Nykiya Adams, who are both just so fucking brilliant. Shoutout Carlos from Fontaines D.C. too!