Electricity (2014)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Top rating for this BFI film, apparently co-financed by the Wellcome Foundation (big pharma) that has the pay-off in its last shot: the heroine's face has cleared up, she's had no attacks on her updated medicine. But the film is perfectly frank about pharmaceuticals and what she has been through on them.It's very distressing to live from day to day with this young woman and suffer her seizures with her, as she searches for her beloved kid brother who stuck up for her throughout her childhood but has since disappeared. Her whole search is extremely credible, and I don't think anyone should miss this picture.Above all, get Agyness Deyn (who once had a real name): she's never taken any acting lessons, but she gets it big time. This is a breakthrough for her that should put her in US indie pix at least. You'll love it when she cuts through blokes' bullshit with an instant "Bollocks!" Wonderful stuff, and so rare for the BFI to achieve something as real as this.

Maybe because I have epilepsy,I might have a biased view!! I think the film was excellent;well written, extremely well acted and original. Didn't get as much attention as it should, but a film about epilepsy never would, as few have any understanding of it, ask a doctor! Epilepsy scares people, but it is not as scary as having it; that is why the film is great. If you listen closely and read between the lines you'll pick up on the clues and the body language that Lilly shows, it is difficult to show side effects of medication on film, but they got them across as best they could.The story built around Lilly was involving,dark,funny,sad, sometimes fatalistic, but never without hope. Really really enjoyed it.

I was drawn to this small, little-known British film by its star, since I have always found that model Agyness Deyn has such a fascinating face. In fact, Deyn - in her first major movie - is not just the central character but in every scene and, given her lack of acting experience, her performance is remarkable. She plays Lily O'Connor, a young woman from the north who travels down to London to seek the younger brother she has not seen since childhood. The distinguishing feature of this film, directed by Bryn Higgins, is that from a very early age Lily has suffered frequent and severe epileptic fits. I was once travelling on an inter-city train when the young woman sitting next to me had an epileptic fit and I have never forgotten it. This film is part-funded by the Wellcome Foundation and its representation of such fits is very effective and striking.

Not always an easy subject to talk about, Bryn Higgins in Electricity has brought it home to us all that this is a problem to discuss. Well filmed and with an interesting story, I would recommend that you take a look.The acting by Ms Deyn is surprisingly good, especially considering this is her first ever acting role. She carries off the character with aplomb and during the film you never think that in her other life she is a very successful model. She plays this role with great care, there is never any thought other than she is a victim of circumstance.The film is not always a smooth ride, it has its ups and downs, but overall it is a well directed character driven film that puts Mr Higgins on the map.