Review: Everyone’s Going To Die

8th June 2015

Everyone’s Going To Die taken in its purest form is correct. We are all going to die. From the opening sequence, I had this sense of dread that this was going to another gangster style shoot them-up, but this film is witty, raw and unexpectedly charming. Everyone’s Going To Die is one of the reasons why British independent
cinema is hot right now.

The film centres around two protagonists: Ray (played by Rob Knighton) returning home to Folkestone for his brother’s funeral and Melanie (played by Nora Tschirner) a long way from her native home, Germany, trying to figure out if this new place can ever truly be her home.

Everyone’s Going To Die is an imaginative and impressive debut from Jones. The film is supported by a thumping soundtrack, nuanced performances and self-deprecating script. There are echoes of Lost in Translation; two souls who are in transition but not sure where they are going. Melanie who is questioning everything and struggling not to fulfil her family’s image of her as a failure. Ray dressed like an extra out of Reservoir Dogs but scratch the surface and he is haunted a soul trying to atone for his past and create a future worth living rather than exisiting for.

The script is witty and absurd in equal measure. One of my favourite scenes is of Ray, having looked up wiccan practices, talking to a cat as if it’s the reincarnet soul of his dead brother is comedy gold. The script allows the viewer time to make up their own mind and just observe and relate to their struggles including; loneliness and feeling lost in a crowd. This is real life – abundant coincidences, chance encounters and opportunities for change if you just seize them.

However, the film isn’t perfect and the perephial characters don’t really add anything to the action or bring about any change in the central characters. That to me felt like a lost opportunity.
Why this film works is purely down to the two actors who play Melanie and Ray. Especially, Rob Knighton who bring that sense of world weariness that can only be gained after a life of real work, he used to be a carper fitter. If Before Sunrise married Lost in Translation they’d name their baby: Everyone’s Going To Die. The chatacters of Melanie and Ray linger long after the final credits and could only have been played by these two actors. The chemistry between them is palpable and they really do spark off each other on screen.

For all those who enjoy character driven scripts then go and see this. You will not be disappointed. The film would work well for a date night movie, as well as, a night out with a group of friends.
It is quirky, funny with just a hint, and I do mean hint, of romance thrown in.

Released in cinemas in the UK from 26 June.

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