Every now and then something powerful comes along that sensitively tackles a subject most care to avoid – or to forget. Unspoken demands to be spoken about.
At just over three minutes it’s short enough to not even take half a cigarette but long enough to make you light another one. Sometimes it’s the little things that pack the biggest punch.
We can recognise the scene, we were all young once, we all had the teenage angst and foibles. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me. But probably not with the modern twist. I mean emoji’s are just for fun. Aren’t they?
When you’re old enough to turn your head from it. But when you’re young enough to…to what? Children can be the biggest bastards after all, intended or not.
In the words of another: it isn't simple, it's not solved in five minutes over a cup of tea, it's not fixed by an inspirational quote from Facebook, I can't really explain what I'm thinking, just as you can't explain to me what you’re thinking. If I had any advice for anyone, it's just be there. Be there and talk, be there and support, be there and understand.
And if you’re going through it. You’re not alone, there are people who care. There are people who have the time for you, some surprisingly closer than you realise. But there are also organisations further afield who can help to. You’re not alone. What you are feeling is normal. And everything will be OK.
So, watch this film – with the first half of your cigarette. Or the last. And think to make a difference. What are your kids sending? What are they receiving? And remember to create a space that they can walk into and talk. Oh, and remember then to listen. As the parable of the starfish goes: it made a difference to that one. https://www.likemindedproductions.co.uk/unspoken
Credits:
John Mousley as Kieron
Maggi Green as Mother
Bob Towers as Edgar
Writer: Christopher Woodward
Music: Mark Quinn
Producer: Ashley Ali
Editor & Director: Andrew Smith
Reviewer: Mark Davoren
Date: 19th January 2019
North West End Rating: ★★★★