Beat Girl (15)
Directed by: Mairtín de Barra
Stars: Percelle Ascott, Louise Dylan, Michael Higgs
Running time: 93 min
For Heather music is everything. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Heather has always dreamed about getting into Juilliard and becoming a classical pianist. But all her dreams get shattered the day her mum dies, and her life suddenly falls into silence. Left with nothing but a piano and debts, Heather’s only option is to move in with her estranged father and half-brother.
When her application for a scholarship is rejected, Heather’s last hope to see her Big Dream come true is swept away. Until one day when she meets Toby, a hip and handsome music store owner who opens up a whole new world to her – the world of DJ-ing and dance music. Heather, who initially turns to DJ-ing to raise some funds, is carried away by this enticing underground world, and her heart starts to beat again to the rhythm of a new life – and a new love. Heather eventually finds herself torn between two worlds of music and as her Juilliard audition approaches, time comes for her to choose. And for the first time in her life she starts questioning what it is that she really desires.
Beat Girl, starring Louise Dylan as Heather and Craig Daniel Adams as Toby, is a low budget film made using simple techniques. However, what the viewer sees (and hears) is not low budget it all, but a well thought out and inspiring tale.
A young musician, who has been classically trained on the piano, develops a talent for editing dance tracks to a live audience. This is the essence of the piece, and as such the music takes on a entire character all of its own. With an interesting choice of tracks, ranging from upbeat dance groves to classical masterpieces, this is more of a musical journey.
The acting ranges from quite emotional to a little sluggish at times, though this may be due to a script that, whilst engaging with a younger audience, does tend to lean on the improbable at times. This is sadly the case in point of a minor plot aid due to a young 14-year-old going to a loan shark of sorts to purchase equipment.
That said, Director Martin De Barra, has created a drama round music as supposed to a Kevin and Perry Go Large noise fest which had little to no acting at all. The locations, through clever use of lighting, perform the requirements such as a bustling night club or run down music shop and the pace of the film moves along nicely.
A nice little film with solid performances backed by a well-balanced soundtrack, this is perfect viewing for a lazy Sunday whilst recovering from the night before.
Watch for our interview with the cast of Beat Girl coming soon.
3 out of 5 Nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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