Me Without You

UK Release: 23rd November 2001

Watched on DVD: Tuesday 1st January 2013

Rating: 15

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 1hr 47mins 

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Growing up in the 1970s on the Isle of Wight, Holly and Marina make a childhood pact to be friends forever. For the troubled, unpredictable Marina, with her seemingly glamorous father and her Valium-addicted mother, Holly stays the only constant in a life of divorcing parents, experimental drugs and fashionable self-destruction. Meanwhile, Holly buries herself in books out of feelings of frustration with her over-protective mother and a nagging insecurity around her beautiful and possessive best friend. She holds just one secret from Marina, her increasing passion for Marina's brother Nat. As the years roll by, the girls experience everything life has to offer, sex, love, loss and rock 'n roll. But eventually for Holly, a friendship which has never been equal gradually begins to feel like a trap.

My Review: I picked up a copy of this film in a post-Dawsons Creek binge of Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes etc. I’ve always admired Williams’ work and so seeing her grow up in Dawson’s Creek as the fantastic Jen made me admire her even more in her transition from TV melodrama to serious oscar-worthy performances such as in Blue Valentine. Here she stars in a British production which was odd at first but she pulls off the British shabby nature rather well as well as the accent brilliantly!

Anna Friel and Williams star as best friends and the film follows them from childhood to adulthood and all the intertwining drama along the way. There are as close as sisters and so naturally the ups and downs of their relationship is pretty tumultuous on screen. It obviously, then, relies heavily on the chemistry between the two actresses and thankfully that isn’t a problem as there connection felt remarkably heartfelt and authentic. 

It was a captivating watch as their lives and their family and friends’ lives around them are anything but predictable - even if it can me a little less than believable at times. While the plot got quite uncomfortable and tense at times the bond between the two girls was evident throughout. Me Without You proves why British drama is still a delight to watch.

Score: 7/10