A scabrous and sceptical take on 1990s rave culture arrives in cinemas this November with Game, a debut feature film that sees Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson making his mark on the big screen.
From Music to Movies
Produced by Portishead co-founder Geoff Barrow, this British independent film follows the misadventures of venal pillhead David, played by Marc Bessant. Through a series of flashbacks, we witness David's descent into criminality as he robs an unconscious dealer and even attempts to burgle his own parents.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when David finds himself upside down in his wrecked car in a forest, setting the stage for the film's central confrontation.
A Clash of Cultures
Enter the Poacher, portrayed with ponderous menace by Sleaford Mods' Jason Williamson, who represents what the film frames as "broken Britain personified". Refusing to help extricate David from his predicament, the Poacher delivers the cutting line: "You're one of those noisy cunts from up on the heath."
What follows is a darkly funny duel between the two characters, with David desperate to escape and the Poacher withholding his jerrycan of scrumpy while dousing him in embittered discourse instead. Williamson's performance draws comparisons to actor Michael Smiley, showcasing his ability to translate his stage presence to cinematic drama.
Visual Ambition and Music Video Roots
Despite its shaky start, which spends considerable time on David's attempts to free himself from his seatbelt, the film finds its footing when director John Minton unleashes his ostentatious visual style. The climax features a hilariously staged rampage on forest trails that edges toward folk horror territory.
Minton's direction evolves from impressionistic closeups of bugs in headlights to what can only be described as a full lysergic 21-gun salute, set to a wild organ version of Ravel's Boléro. This ambitious visual approach reinforces the sense that Game feels more like an elongated music video than a fully realised drama.
The film makes its broader point clearly: the ecstasy generation were primarily out for number one. While the vignettes exploring this theme sometimes feel too thin to properly prime viewers for the Poacher's arrival, the strident imagery suggests director Minton could follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Glazer and Garth Jennings in successfully transitioning from music promos to feature films.
Game arrives in UK and Irish cinemas from 17 November, offering British audiences a chance to experience this unique take on 90s rave culture and its aftermath.
