Perfect 10 (2019)

AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 MARCH

14-year-old Leigh (impressive newcomer Frankie Box) lives on the outskirts of Brighton. She’s grieving her recently-deceased mother, a misfortune that has made her father distant and neglectful. She’s also a talented gymnast, training hard for her first competition despite her lack of confidence, some bitchy fellow gymnasts and little money to pay for her fees. When older half-brother Joe (Alfie Deegan) appears at her house one night, Leigh’s lonely existence is altered. Mistrust gradually transforms into exciting new feelings as Leigh receives the attention she craves. But she is also exposed to the thrill and danger of Joe’s petty criminal aspirations.

Debut director Eva Riley became fascinated with the aesthetic and technique of gymnastic display during the many hours she spent researching the film at gymnastics clubs. Casting real gymnasts (such as Frankie Box) rather than professional actors, she delivers an assured and spirited coming-of-age story that explores with heartfelt sensitivity a sibling relationship. A keen visual style and lively soundtrack complete this portrait of willful yet sensitive teenage-hood.

‘Eva Riley’s winning feature debut, a deeply felt and graceful addition to the rites of passage film.’ - Hannah McGill, Sight & Sound.

‘As for Box and Deegan, they may be new to acting but you would never know it from the performances here, as finely calibrated as anything much more seasoned stars could produce and charged with unspoken emotion to the last.’ - Amber Wilkinson, Eye For Film.