Cracks

UK Release: 4th December 2009

Watched on LoveFilm Instant: Sunday 10th June 2012

Rating: 15

Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller

Runtime: 1hr 44mins

Tagline: Innocence isn't lost. It's taken

IMDb Plot Synopsis: A look at the lives and relationships among girls at an elite British boarding school.

My Review: Like a lingering dark cloud the atmosphere of this film settles and doesn’t quite shift in your mind, as the film descends further and further into dark depths going to places you hadn't expected. 

It’s certainly a compelling watch; set in an English boarding school in the 1930s - a concept that’s always good to play with - the arrival of a new student from exotic Spain completely changes the girls (and enigmatic teacher Miss G’s) lives forever. Eva Green is just stunning in this role which has more layers than meets the eye and the end for her character is still poignant in my mind - did she deserve her fate or not? 

I came into the film knowing very little, and so that really helped as the plot keeps you on tenterhooks until the very end. Juno Temple was excellent in Atonement and again she was outstanding in this as the head of the group of girls who completely idolises and worships Miss G - whether she warrants it or not. Temple is certainly one of the most underrated young English actresses at the moment as she has been in, and will be in, many incredible films such as The Dark Knight Rises and the much talked about Maleficent. 

So many themes are explored here and the beautiful claustrophobic backdrop of the English countryside only heightens the feelings of obsession, rejection and betrayal. It’s an intense and certainly not a happy film, but brilliantly shot, leaving you with a lasting impression...

Score: 7/10