Submarine

For me, Submarine is one of those films that I have such an emotional attachment to, and I don’t think that attachment will ever wither. This movie, (without being cringey or sappy), genuinely makes me tear up each rewatch, and really consider my own adolescent experiences and the complex feelings that surround these. Ayoade creates such an intricate web of human experiences and truly draws the viewer into the world of Oliver Tate, allowing them to view the pure rawness of self-discovery that defines an individual’s adolescence. The portrayal of falling in love for the first time, going through the ‘honeymoon phase, and finally, experiencing your first breakup, is so intimately shown through the eyes of Oliver Tate. Although Oliver is presented to be awkward, bluntish, and let’s be honest, a bit of an arsehole, being able to experience these said-experiences through his eyes feels vehement and touches me personally on every re-watch. I can’t help but subliminally relate the way Ayoade performs these emotions through artistic expression - such as through his use of montages - back to my own, similar moments of vulnerability. The portrayal of ‘first love’ through Jordanna and Oliver is not what you’d describe to someone if they were to ask you, “describe a stereotypical teenage relationship in film”, but it’s that aspect that draws me into the characters and their dynamic even more. Their budding romance really tugs at the heartstrings, and despite their differences, the feelings of tenderness and yearning cut deep and the film truly captures the bittersweet beauty of first love perfectly. The thrill of connection, the butterflies that surround the romance, and the exhilaration of shared experiences are presented beautifully through the cinematography and soundtrack provided by Alex Turner. The muted colour palette and the whimsical — yet melancholic — compositions create an atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ emotional states, immersing the viewer in even deeper, as if you’re experiencing their journey alongside them. Ayoade’s dark comedic manner adds yet another layer of emotion to me, and truly personalises the film even more. Oliver’s preoccupation with his morbid fantasies are a reflection of his inner turmoil, but despite this, we still see how the experience of his first heart-break takes over him as he reclines into a depressing, idle state during one of the montage moments in the film. Quotes from this state, such as “when I am old and alone I will remember that I once held something truly beautiful” resonate with me and seeing such a juxtaposed character be presented so vulnerably, but so effectively, weights in with the weighty themes within the adolescent context. I don’t see Submarine shifting from its position of my favourite film anytime soon, and for good reason. I feel such a complex interplay of emotions each time I rewatch this film — empathy, introspection, joy, and even a touch of melancholy. Any film that makes me think about and relate my own experiences to such an emotional degree is a winner in my books, and Submarine never fails to meet that expectation. The emotional journey Ayoade depicts really emphasises his skill in directing, and leaves a consistent lasting impact on me.