Watch Black Pond

Black Pond is a 2011 British independent movie directed by Will Sharpe and Tom Kingsley. The film opens with an elderly couple discussing how to deal with a dead man they found in their home. The movie is a dark comedy that follows the lives of a middle-class family from London, the Thompsons, as they navigate their way through a tragic event.

The Thompsons are a dysfunctional family consisting of the father Tom (Chris Langham), mother Sophie (Amanda Hadingue), their two children, and their strange friend Blake (Simon Amstell). They are an average family, living in an average house, but their lives take a turn when they meet a man named Blake at a dinner party. Blake is an eccentric young man who is invited to stay with the Thompsons when he tells them he is too poor to afford a hotel.

The family grows increasingly suspicious of Blake and his motives, and the tension comes to a head when the family wakes up to find Blake dead in their living room. The Thompsons are immediately suspected of murder, and the ensuing investigation puts a strain on the already unstable family.

The movie is presented in a nonlinear narrative, which allows viewers to piece together the events leading up to Blake's death. The film blends elements of drama, comedy, and mystery to create a unique viewing experience. The movie's pacing is deliberate, with long takes and quiet moments that allow viewers to reflect on the characters' actions and motivations.

One of the movie's strengths is the way it addresses the themes of guilt and responsibility. Each member of the family reacts in a different way to Blake's death, and the film is careful not to cast judgment on any of the characters. Instead, it allows viewers to draw their conclusions based on their interpretation of the events.

The performances in the movie are outstanding, with Chris Langham delivering a particularly memorable performance as the father, Tom. Langham deftly captures Tom's guilt and confusion as he struggles to come to terms with what happened. Amanda Hadingue is equally impressive as Sophie, the mother, who tries to hold the family together amid the chaos.

Simon Amstell's portrayal of Blake is another standout performance. Blake is a complex character, and Amstell brings an odd charm to the role that makes it challenging to pin him down. It's a testament to Amstell's skills as an actor that he can make the audience feel both sympathetic and suspicious of Blake at the same time.

The movie's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the English countryside and the Thompsons' home. The film's score is also noteworthy, with a haunting piano theme that underscores the film's themes of loss and regret.

Black Pond is not an easy movie to watch, but it is a rewarding one. The film's complex characters and non-linear narrative make for a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful viewing experience. The movie is a testament to the power of independent cinema and showcases the talents of its cast and crew. If you're a fan of dark, character-driven movies, Black Pond is a must-see.

Black Pond is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.