The riots that took place in London and several other English cities in August 2011 were a shock to everyone, especially those living and working close to the events.
Many people were confused what caused them; why were people looting high street shops and setting buildings on fire? An escalation of events after a protest following fatal police shooting of Mark Duggan, many joined in the criminal activity as a chance to destroy, lash out and steal with minimal consequences.
It’s during a recreation of this exact scenario where we meet Jamie and Leanne, a lead and supporting character in Urban Hymn, written by St Trinian’s Nick Moorcraft. Jamie (Letitia Wright) and Leanne (Isabella Laughland) are young offenders taking advantage of riots, living in a home, where they get into fights with other minors and even abuse staff. It’s only when social worker Kate (Shirley Henderson) joins the staff and notices her singing voice does Jamie start to follow a different path causing lots of fall out and conflict.
The film starts quite stiff and staged, with clunky, cheesy dialogue that feels like it belongs more on stage, it’s lucky the characters are intriguing enough to keep our eyes on the screen. Kate is timid but determined lead wanting to give this job the best she’s got, the reason for which is revealed later. Jamie and Leanne are unpredictable and while the focus is on Jamie, Laughland’s performance as Leanne steals the whole show. It’s a shame that Jamie’s character doesn’t demand any of the spotlight; as her character develops, although great to see from a moral point of view, is not exciting to watch. However, the end result shows that the film maybe isn’t about Jamie at all but how she is a catalyst for conflict between Kate, who wants a good life for her, and Leanne who doesn’t want to lose her best friend.
Because of this, the third act is really where it all comes together as something original and effective. Persevere through the opening to experience the explosive ending.