For better or for worse, Rose: A Love Story feels like what it is, a directorial feature debut from Jennifer Sheridan. Written by Matt Stokoe, who also shares the lead duties with his real-life partner, Sophie Rundle, it's a nice and sedate little drama, tinged with horror, and everything is kept more controlled and manageable by generally never having more than three people onscreen at any one time. I'm not sure what others will make of it though, as it doesn't ever settle down to establish itself as one thing or another.
Rundle plays Rose, and Stokoe is her partner, Sam. The two live an isolated life in a cabin in the middle of some woods. They have very occasional deliveries of goods, avoid other people, and generally seem to be making the most of a bad situation. Something's up with Rose, but Sam does his best to care for her and keep her, and himself, safe. Unfortunately, the situation is jeopardised when a young woman, Amber (Olive Gray) accidentally stands in a trap that leaves her with a broken and bleeding leg. Sam wants her out of the way as quickly as possible, but Rose believes they should be as helpful as they can.
Although it isn't outright telling you everything as the movie unfolds, this is a film that isn't looking to shock or surprise you. It's very easy to figure out what's going on, and the atmosphere throughout gives you an idea of where it's all going to end. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. In fact, it's much preferable to other ways this material could have been presented. What you get here is a film focusing on the main performances, and characters unable to escape the dark clouds moving overhead.
Stokoe and Rundle are both very good in their roles, although the former has the easier task of being the more quiet and gruff type (showing that he loves his partner above everything else, but keeping a good distance between himself and anyone or anything else that could create some kind of connection). Rundle makes the wise decision to play her afflicted character without overdoing any signs of illness or weakness, and she has a bit more positivity in her outlook, helped by the fact that she never actually sees herself during her worst episodes. Gray is an excellent third participant, physically vulnerable from her very first scene, but strong and determined enough to want to get back to her normal life as soon as possible.
It's thanks to the acting that the film works as well as it does, because neither the direction or script are exactly ground-breaking. They don't have to be, of course, but there's something lacking here that could have helped to raise the whole thing. I'm not sure whether that's a bit more work on the characters, a few more moments of tension and drama, or some outright horror, but it needed at least one kick up the backside to give it a jolt. Others may disagree though.
Worth your time, but not necessarily one that will be remembered years down the line. I'd definitely be interested in seeing whatever Sheridan, Rundle, and Stokoe work on in the future though, whether they remain in collaboration or head their separate ways.
7/10
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