Every now and again British Independent films produce a beautiful little gem that needs to be shouted about from the rooftops, and in Chicken, we have just that. Low budget but huge on heart and exceptional performances from its virtually unknown cast.
The feature length directorial debut for Joe Stephenson, Chicken is already causing a stir and has had the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Noel Clarke backing the film. McKellen has already gone as far as to state it’s an astonishing debut from the young director. There is no doubt McKellen and his fellow industry comrades are far from wrong as Chicken gives us a joyous yet gut-wrenching insight into the world of a young man with learning difficulties.
15-year-old Richard, played by the mesmerizing Scott Chambers lives alone with his brother Polly (Morgan Watkins), in a rundown caravan on a farm. Richard has learning difficulties which Polly finds hard to deal with, he’s angry, restless, and completely destructive and money is virtually nonexistent. Richard is oblivious to Polly’s struggles; he lacks any real friends all except for his pet Chicken, Fiona. However, when the farm is bought by a new family and the electric to the caravan is cut off Richard runs into the daughter of the new owners, Annabell (Yasmin Paige) and they instantly become the best of friends. Richard goes through so much hardship but he constantly see’s the positive and bounds through his troubles with a sunny disposition.
It takes a little while to truly pick up, but this adventurous debut from Stephenson builds at a steady pace along with its character development and attachment of its audience. Teaching bit by bit the boys horrendous past unravels their character and what drives them to do what they do. Tension builds until it hits boiling point and produces a sucker punch infused with an emotional climax.
Chicken has been adapted from the original stage play which saw Scott Chambers in the lead role too. Already playing the role, even if it has been changed slightly, has stood Chambers in good stead. His performance is one of raw emotion and complete honesty, he commands Richard into his very soul so much so it’s hard to believe he isn’t his character.
Stephenson has produced a commendable first feature length outing, slowly building his characters and plot until it reaches heights that convey a painful amount of emotion for its viewer. Both Chambers and Stephenson have an extremely bright future for themselves, one that’s more than worth our time in watching.
Chicken is out in Cinemas May 20.