Watch Strangeways Here We Come

Strangeways Here We Come is a darkly comedic drama that follows the lives of five neighbors who live in a rundown housing complex in Manchester, England. The film is directed by Chris Green, who makes his feature film debut here. Set against the backdrop of a bleak and dreary industrial wasteland, the film tells the story of a group of misfits and outcasts who are struggling to make ends meet. Each character has their own unique struggles, from unemployment and debt to addiction and mental illness. Despite their differences, though, they all share a sense of community and camaraderie that borders on a family.

The film's central character is Dean (played by Jack Roth), a troubled young man who is struggling to make a fresh start after losing his mother to cancer. He becomes acquainted with his neighbors, including the fiery single mother Beth (Michelle Keegan), the streetwise and fierce Tasha (Lauren Socha), and the mysterious and reclusive Russian émigré Olga (Elaine Cassidy).

As the story unfolds, we see the characters' lives become increasingly intertwined. The plot takes several surprising twists and turns, as each character grapples with their own personal demons and struggles to find a way forward.

One of the film's biggest strengths is its portrayal of the gritty reality of life in a rundown housing estate. The setting is bleak and depressing, but it's also strangely beautiful in its own way. The film's cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the surroundings, with its crumbling brick buildings and abandoned factories.

But despite the harshness of the setting, there is a sense of warmth and humanity in the film that is impossible to ignore. The characters may be living in poverty and struggling with all sorts of problems, but they are also fiercely loyal and supportive of one another. It's this sense of community that provides the film with its emotional heart.

The performances in the film are all outstanding, with particular praise going to Michelle Keegan and Lauren Socha. Keegan, who is best known for her role in the British soap opera Coronation Street, delivers a nuanced and authentic performance as the tough but vulnerable Beth. Socha, who gained fame for her role in the sci-fi series Misfits, brings a raw energy to her portrayal of Tasha.

Elaine Cassidy is also excellent as Olga, a complex and enigmatic character whose true motives are never quite clear. And Jack Roth is a revelation in the central role of Dean, delivering a performance that is both vulnerable and fierce.

Overall, Strangeways Here We Come is a compelling drama that deals with some heavy themes, but never loses its sense of humor or its heart. It's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Strangeways Here We Come is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 86 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.