Treacle Jr. (2010)

Tom is forty. He walks out one day, rather abruptly, on his wife and baby boy and his seemingly happy life. He finds himself living on the streets of London. One night alone in a park he is... See full summary »

Director:

Jamie Thraves

Writer:

Jamie Thraves

Stars:

Aidan Gillen, Tom Fisher, Riann Steele

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Aidan Gillen	...	Aidan
Tom Fisher	...	Tom
Riann Steele	...	Linda
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Cristina Catalina	...	Waitress
Carrie Cohen	...	Mrs. Brophy
Liz Fleming	...	Ruby
Atli Gunnarsson	...	Thug
Taylan Halici	...	Cafe owner
Lucas Hansen	...	Thug
Judy Norman	...	Clairvoyant
Joe Tucker	...	Bluebird Joe
Steven James Tyler	...	Thug
Chris Wade	...	Drug Dealer

Storyline

Tom is forty. He walks out one day, rather abruptly, on his wife and baby boy and his seemingly happy life. He finds himself living on the streets of London. One night alone in a park he is mistaken for a gay man and is set upon by a gang of violent thugs. In A&E the next day Tom meets Aidan, the happiest, fast-talking individual you are ever likely to meet, the complete opposite of Tom. Too polite, or too weak to ask him to leave him alone Tom tries to get away from this child-like man but with little joy, Aidan sticks to Tom like glue. Tom reluctantly becomes involved in Aidan's life and he quickly realizes that Aidan has problems too. Aidan's 'girlfriend' Linda verbally and physically abuses him on a regular basis. Will Tom overcome his own problems in order to help his new 'friend'? Will Tom ever make it back home - and why exactly did Tom leave home in the first place?

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Plot Keywords:

abuse | punched in the face | blue baby | mental retardation | unlikely friendship | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 July 2011 (UK)

Also Known As:

Treacle Junior

Filming Locations:

Southwark, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£30,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Golden Rule Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

A very strong second film from Jamie Thraves

I sought Treacle Jr out at the London Film Festival, on the strength of The Low Down.

What stands out is the intensity of the two lead performances. Gillen shows some very impressive range. Going 180 % from from playing the Mayor of Baltimore to a desperate and guileless character like this. While Tom Fisher plays off him very effectively as a credible and fairly sympathetic man, who is clearly out of his depth and dealing with major emotional problems of his own.

The early scenes, where Tom tries to gently deflect Aiden's advances, without being unkind, came off as very well judged and authentic. Tom's growing connection to Aiden, which develops into instincts of protectiveness, was very believably handled and well paced.

The film's low-key visual approach and use of gentle observational humour help carry it along smoothly. In summary, Treacle Jr is a very engaging watch if you like performance driven films.