Submarine
Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) likes to read the dictionary in his spare time. Although not suicidal, he daydreams about his funeral and delights in how sad he hopes everyone will be. He thinks his (self-proclaimed) psychic neighbors are ninjas and he thinks that by the time he is 38, none of the stuff that is happening to him now as a teenager will matter.
The title, which is confusing yet roughly “explained,” is really to be interpreted by the audience for whatever deep-thinking analysis they want to put on it. ‘Oliver Tate’ would have been a much better (if not equally dull) title. He is what keeps the movie moving. His curiosity and neurotic behavior is what keeps things interesting. In this coming-of-age tale, the film shows how the truest of comedy doesn’t come in the form of over-the-top jokes or gross-out humor. Sometimes the best laughs simply come from the mistakes and thoughts of our everyday lives.
Oliver wants desperately to lose his virginity by his next birthday and sets his sights on a pyromaniac /bully accomplice, Jordana (Yasmin Paige). He is in puppy love and she is in semi-like and together they make the unlikeliest of adorable couples. However, after Oliver learns that his mom (Sally Hawkins) was once in love with his new neighbor, Graham (Paddy Considne), he becomes convinced that she is having an affair.
Oliver’s father (Noah Taylor) seems to be asleep with his eyes open and unconcerned with his wife’s time spent with Graham while his mother can’t help but enjoy attention from any man. During Oliver’s spying and efforts to keep the demise of his parent’s relationship from happening, he neglects Jordana during a difficult time in her life and, ultimately, has to try and win her back.
Director Richard Ayoade’s “Submarine” is like a short story being read aloud. The dialogue seems to come from everyday conversations-not Hollywood scripted lines. The awkward statements- the inappropriate thoughts wondered out-loud- is what makes the movie feel real and realate able. Unfortunately, because of the lack of action, expectation or deep emotion from any of the characters, it leaves the story feeling water-downed.
The subtle humor is unexpected and appreciated. The precociousness of Oliver Tate mixed with his vulnerability embodies the angst of being a teenager. It’s a timeless tale of growing up and learning life’s lessons. Will everything work out in the end? Will there be a happily ever after? And more importantly, according to Oliver, will any of this even matter by the age of 38?