Watch Somers Town

Somers Town is a 2008 British independent comedy-drama film directed by Shane Meadows. The movie stars Thomas Turgoose, Piotr Jagiello, and Ireneusz Czop in the lead roles. The film premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2008 and subsequently received critical acclaim. The movie is set in the Somers Town district of London and tells the story of two teenage friends, Tomo and Marek, who form an unlikely bond as they navigate life in the city.

Tomo, played by Thomas Turgoose, is a runaway teenager who arrives in London alone from Nottingham. With no money and nowhere to stay, he eventually meets up with Marek, played by Piotr Jagiello, a Polish immigrant who is a few years older than Tomo. Marek is a quiet and introverted boy who lives with his father, a construction worker named Mr. Robak (Ireneusz Czop) in a small flat in Somers Town.

Tomo and Marek's friendship starts off a bit rocky, with Marek initially feeling suspicious of Tomo. However, as the two boys spend more time together, they begin to bond. They roam the streets of Somers Town, chat up girls, and try to hustle money in various ways. They also secretly admire a French waitress named Maria who works at a nearby café.

As the story progresses, we see the two boys getting into various scrapes and adventures. Some of these include them trying to figure out how to buy alcohol and cigarettes without getting caught, stealing a bike, and trying to impress Maria. However, the film is not just a series of comic escapades. As Tomo and Marek open up to each other, we see the struggles and challenges they face in their individual lives.

Tomo is a troubled boy who is running away from problems at home. He misses his mother, who has recently passed away and has a strained relationship with his father. Marek, on the other hand, is an immigrant trying to make a life for himself in a new country. He misses his mother, who is still in Poland, and feels homesick.

The film deals with themes of loneliness, poverty, displacement, and cultural differences. Shane Meadows has a unique way of capturing the spirit of a place and its people. The movie showcases the gritty, urban landscape of London that is often ignored in mainstream cinema. The film is beautifully shot in black and white and features some stunning cinematography of the city's streets and alleyways.

The acting in the film is also stellar, especially considering that most of the cast were non-professional actors. Thomas Turgoose, who had previously starred in Meadows's film This Is England, delivers another fantastic performance as Tomo. He infuses the character with a vulnerability and impulsiveness that is both endearing and heartbreaking. Piotr Jagiello, who plays Marek, is equally brilliant in his portrayal of a lonely immigrant trying to fit in.

The film's score, composed by the French musician Ludovic Bource, is another highlight. It is whimsical and charming, perfectly capturing the film's bittersweet tone.

Overall, Somers Town is a touching and uplifting film that celebrates the power of friendship and human connection. It is a testament to the resilience of young people and an exploration of what it means to find a home in a new place. The film is a must-see for fans of British cinema or anyone who enjoys a heartwarming, coming-of-age story.