This 2023 British survival film, directed by Mahalia Belo from Megan Hunter’s 2017 novel, introduced some of us to the talented Jodie Comer. She plays ‘the Woman’ who, along with her newborn baby, flees heavy storms and weather that causes destructive flooding.
We did generally find aspects of the film very moving, although it was a “hard watch”. It was a troubling glimpse into what might happen to us in future due to climate change.
For some of us, the vision of the film was too bleak and emotionally upsetting. There weren’t moments that showed human values at their best. I am reminded of the Sikh community, who are always selflessly there at any major disaster, giving out drink and food.
One of our discussion group pointed out the symbolism – the Woman’s waters break as the floodwaters start seeping into her home. Water is seen throughout as destructive as well as healing and a life force. Another key theme is motherhood and the challenges it involves, as the Woman goes on her journey to safety. It is her baby Zeb that gives her the strength to survive through the toughest of times.
The scenes that show a breakdown in society, with rioting, stealing and general rule breaking, reminded one member of the group of Lord Of The Flies. The ability of a few men to break into a government run shelter and raid it, without the army intervening, felt unlikely.
The Woman’s journey to Scotland, to a commune, was considered by some as not strong enough to work as an allegory. The Woman leaves a very safe place with food, comfort and friendship to undertake a risky journey back home with a vulnerable baby. Perhaps it reflected strange decisions made at a time of uncertainty. The unnecessary smoking made us consider where she got the cigarettes from.
One member of the group praised the sound design and the cinematography was also affirmed. Some great views of the Scottish landscape and a sense of loneliness. The final scenes of flooded London delivered. A splendid support cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong and Gina McKee.
There was a cold detachment about the film and we don’t get to know much about the characters. Even a proper reunion scene at the end didn’t happen. We would have liked to know more about what the Woman is thinking.
I stayed once at the location used in the film for the refugee camp, when I went to a conference in Wallingford, Oxford. It’s now a disused school.
Anne
This brought a lot of us together last night for the discussion, and long after we went home, we continued talking about the script, the idea, and the overall feeling. The characters are not so much known by name, but rather through what we explored which is, at the heart of the story, motherhood, survival, and the lengths one goes to in order to endure. Yes, it was flawed in some ways, yet it kept us up late into the night, still talking about it.
I don’t think it is easy to make this type of film without a sense of gloom and an underlying desperation. The moment where the mother’s neck is trampled upon is horrific, and when viewed…