Coming into Two Down entirely cold, having not heard of it before and without reading reviews, seeing a trailer or any knowledge about its creators, I got to enjoy a lovely film.
Unmistakeably British from the outset the film is set in London but does nothing to exploit stereotypes or caricature Londoners. Instead it reflects internally on its own characters, some of whom are quite weakly developed but collectively work well together to create a shared atmosphere within the film.
The plot is extremely simple but that's taken as a strength by the film. Rather than create elaborate plot twists and try and shock the viewer the film is relaxed about introducing new elements and information, and does this sufficiently often to keep the film moving. It was noticeable that just as the film lets you settle into 'Ok, this is the situation' it then draws you gently back out of that complacency, forcing your engagement to understand the implications of the latest revelation.
That gentleness underlies everything in the film. Its comedy is quiet and understated, the characters are (mostly) very measured and act with calm intent, and even the action scenes (shoddy though one of them is) are very quick, simple and there only to fill gaps in the story.
This film isn't going to appeal to kids seeking CGI fueled action sequences, expensively shot stunts, blood and gore, sex or ADHD influenced cuts. That's not its audience. Instead it's worth watching Two Down if you like low budget British films, if you like films that aren't afraid to take their time to tell you a story, or if you just want to watch a good film.
Unmistakeably British from the outset the film is set in London but does nothing to exploit stereotypes or caricature Londoners. Instead it reflects internally on its own characters, some of whom are quite weakly developed but collectively work well together to create a shared atmosphere within the film.
The plot is extremely simple but that's taken as a strength by the film. Rather than create elaborate plot twists and try and shock the viewer the film is relaxed about introducing new elements and information, and does this sufficiently often to keep the film moving. It was noticeable that just as the film lets you settle into 'Ok, this is the situation' it then draws you gently back out of that complacency, forcing your engagement to understand the implications of the latest revelation.
That gentleness underlies everything in the film. Its comedy is quiet and understated, the characters are (mostly) very measured and act with calm intent, and even the action scenes (shoddy though one of them is) are very quick, simple and there only to fill gaps in the story.
This film isn't going to appeal to kids seeking CGI fueled action sequences, expensively shot stunts, blood and gore, sex or ADHD influenced cuts. That's not its audience. Instead it's worth watching Two Down if you like low budget British films, if you like films that aren't afraid to take their time to tell you a story, or if you just want to watch a good film.