⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Grief through a child’s eyes is always tricky to depict in cinemas. Yet, first-time director Charlotte Regan has captured the subtle, raw, and comedic nuances of this side of life in Scrapper.
One thing that can be said about this talented director is that she has an eye for talent and gets the most out of her actors. Lola Campbell plays the lead of Georgie in the unassuming portrayal of a 12-year-old who has recently lost her mother. As she attempts to secretly live alone in a working-class neighbourhood, the girl makes ends meet by stealing bicycles. All the while she is hustling to keep food on the table, her estranged father, Jason (Harris Dickinson), shows up without warning. He assesses the situation and determines that he will help his daughter even though he has not been part of her life. Georgie has no interest in him coming back into her life, and the pair must figure out how they can make things work out between them as father and daughter.
What will capture the audience's hearts is the outstanding performance from Lola Campbell as she conveys grief, intestinal fortitude, and savviness that would make most adults envious. Her character epitomises determination in the stifling atmosphere of the cinder block housing units. This young actress has been given an outstanding cast to complement her role. Still, she proves that her range for delving into emotion and overcoming depression that drives this story forward. Dickinson and the other actors are there to provide the well-rounded atmosphere needed. Still, they all are merely bit players in Campbell’s world.
Outside of the critical aspects of the cast, the rest of the film is a straightforward lesson in the lives of the labouring class of England. There are layers of the immigrant fighting for his place in society. The unexpected friendships in this tight-knit community and the importance of knowing and caring for neighbours. Even the moral fluidity that occurs for those who must do anything they can to survive in the world. Yet, Charlotte Regan has developed a hopeful character play against the backdrop of despair that is worth discovering.
Reel Dialogue: Dealing with loss and death
Scrapper brings grief to the forefront of people's lives, specifically the lives of children. Regret, tears, anger, and confusion are some of the emotions that come along during this time in the lives of those who lose a loved one. The brilliance of the storyline shows how people process death differently, how grief does not happen within a vacuum, and that the support of others is essential for healing.
One thing that can be considered about the message of the Bible is that God is not only there for those who grieve, but that he can empathise with them too. His Son died a horrific death, allowing people to know that they can come to a God who knows how they feel during this low.
The word becomes film
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