In a last-ditch mission to get recognition for her talent, Audrey Amiss (Monica Dolan), a non-conformist, forgotten artist persuades her psychiatric nurse, Sandra (Kelly MacDonald) to take her on a road trip. They travel from London to Audrey’s home town of Sunderland so that she can show her art in an exhibition.
Celebrated director Carol Morley’s film is frustratingly uneven. The performances are excellent, especially MacDonald in a more restrained and subtle performance than Dolan’s. Gina McKee is also terrific in a late appearance as Audrey’s sister.
There are also some funny moments as the unfiltered Audrey let’s rip in a manner that reminded me of Captain Haddock in the Tintin books! However, Audrey soon becomes wearisome and the fictionalised road trip story, that starts to drag after a while, is never believable.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10