Nothing quite prepares you for the anxiety inducing, gripping portrayal of a persons descent into madness than what we see unfold in Restless.
It is easily one of the highlights of the Glasgow Film Festival where it gets its European premiere and is one of the 10 nominated films for this year’s Audience Award.
Once it gets going it is pretty much relentless and at the helm is writer and director Jed Hart. He is clearly more than adept at bringing to life how an assuming, quiet, social care worker can be driven to the edge and this is where we meet Nicky (Lyndsey Marshal).
A story that seems fairly ordinary of an empty-nester enduring a hellish new neighbour Dean (Aston McAuley) who blast music each night quickly becomes much more. McAuley does so well in playing the agitator who knows the right buttons to push and does so with great relish. The tornado of fury he effortlessly creates in each scene he shares with Marshal gets the blood boiling.
Think Uncut Gems mixed with Harry Brown where Marshal gives a remarkable performance that is untethered rage in parts, coupled with hopelessness and fear. All of that bubbling away in a film that is mostly set inside of Nicky’s house where, like the character, you feel the walls closing in a claustrophobic kind of way.
It is all elevated through Hart’s writing and amongst the chaos are touching moments that are peppered with wonderfully timed dark humour in the form of Barry Ward’s Kevin, who pursues a romance with Nicky.
A date scene that is depressing, uncomfortable and cringe-worthy is a welcomed breather. The lack of chemistry between Nicky and Kevin is tremendously executed. There is a great balance between the seemingly limitless rage and comedic relief Ward provides in a number of scene that taps brilliantly into the notion that there is humour even in the most darkest of moments.
Small details crank up pinnacle moments to eleven such as Nicky manically chopping cucumber to the same beat of Dean’s music further building the frustration that’s about to erupt.
Throughout Hart consistently creates moments that leave you on edge and alert through various unexpected twists and does so with great craft. Moments reminiscent of Goodfellas amps up the drama to the point you start sweating. It puts you at the centre of a number of hold-your-breath moments that get your heart-rate rising rapidly.
The profound moments of sadness hit hard like the thumping bass from a speaker. This is where Restless really begins to shine, it does not feel contrived or manipulative in how it makes you feel for its main character.
Pain, sadness and anger all of which is raw and is not possible without great writing and Lyndsey Marshal bringing it to life in what is sure to be a career-defining performance.
2025 Glasgow Film Festival – Tickets for films and full programme available here.
