Hi-Lo Joe (2017)

Everyone loves Joe Ridley, except Joe. Dark, crushing depression envelops him and a childhood trauma haunts him. Elly loves him but he is pushing her away. Can he save himself before he loses everything?

Director:

James Kermack

Writer:

James Kermack

Stars:

Gethin Anthony, Jannik Archer, Tom Bateman

Cast

Credited cast:
Gethin Anthony	...	Alex
Jannik Archer	...	Husband
Tom Bateman	...	Tony
Liza Callinicos	...	Candy Carnage
Michael Chapman	...	Drunk party guest
Graham Curry	...	Smooth Operator
Joe Dixon	...	Bruiser
Henry Douthwaite	...	Shoreditch Wanker
Davy's Gripp	...	Band
Jimmy Hughes	...	Toilet Dweller
Penny Judd	...	Drunk Woman
Helen Kennedy	...	Anna
Aavie Mae Kermack	...	Ava Ridley
James Kermack	...	Joe Ridley Sr
Noah James Kermack	...	Young Joe

Storyline

Joe Ridley is the life and soul of the party, every party. Loved by all and in seemingly in love with life he leads a rock and roll lifestyle. But underneath it all, beneath his skin and buried in his mind is a dark, destructive depression fogging his very existence. When he meets Elly, they fall in love and all seems well on the surface. But as his fears begin to bubble to the surface their relationship begins to suffer and with it is his mental health.

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Plot Keywords:

depression | 

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Taglines:

For some people there is no middle ground

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The production had to be briefly halted when the Director of Photography, Mark Nutkins, dropped a 25kg weight on his foot and had to be taken to hospital by the 3rd AD, Chris Malin. Mark returned to the shoot a couple of hours later, despite a broken toe, and saw out the remainder of the shoot.

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Quotes

Elly Parker: You shouldn't just be with someone you love. Or someone who loves you. But someone who loves like you love

User Reviews

A Real Look at Mental Health

Sadly over time in Hollywood there's been such a stereotype levied at people with mental health issues by films such as Gilbert Grape, Rain Man et al. That there is this expectation of a big showy performance demonstrating mental illness all the way through. Whereas for something like bi-polar as tackled with honestly from the deft hand of director Kermack the actuality is they can go from entirely normal to be long so manic to the point of extreme irritation and pushing you away but yet you'll never not love them. And then there are the extreme downs following the mania.

As someone that has a family member that suffers from this I would like say a thank you to the filmmakers for making such an honest and moving portrayal. Kermack also gets superb central performances from his two leads creating a deeply affecting and moving love story set to the back drop of mental illness.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 November 2017 (UK)

Box Office

Budget:

GBP440,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Featuristic Films, Sonder Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1