When people think of short films, they believe that it’s not going to look as good as features, it will be very slap-dashed and you won’t be able to get the actors you want. Well I have proof that this is not the case. Labeled a “Short Ska Film”, Alexander Thomas’ award winning Beverley follows a mixed race girl’s struggle to find a sense of identity in a confusing, shifting cultural landscape, 1980’s Leicester. A move from the decaying, poverty-stricken, urban environment to the relative comfort and theoretical safety of white suburbia does not provide the hope and opportunities Bev may have wished for. A familiar enemy is ever present - a threat that extends beyond her own safety – more importantly she must protect her brother and sister. By asserting her will and using her guile, Bev tries to shape her new environment into something palatable, but the result is the opposite of what she is trying to achieve.
Beverley showcases some incredible performances and a few recognisable faces too. One of the biggest names in the film is Vicky McClure from This Is England fame, playing Beverley’s mum, Caroline. While Vicky’s role is small compared to others, she makes the most of it. She creates a strong presence every time she is on screen and knows the subject matter very well obviously from This Is England. Alexander and Cass said that the only person they wanted for this role was Vicky McClure and they did manage to get her. It’s proof that no matter what your budget is or how big or small the project is, if you try and you can sell your idea perfectly, you can get the names you want for your film.
Despite the difficult subject matters, Beverley is a very enjoyable experience. It changes from funny to dramatic and doesn’t go too far either way, you are never too happy that you don’t take darker moments too serious and you are never too sad to enjoy the light hearted moments and the joyous music. The fact that Alexander and Cass want to adapt this even further into a feature is very exciting and I would happily go this on the big screen. Keep an ear out for Beverley the feature film, it may be coming to a cinema near you sooner than you think.