The Escape

The Escape is a very slow movie. I believe this should be the first thing to keep in mind if you are going to watch it. On the other hand, it is an incredibly deep movie with a real focus on characters, feelings and emotions. You can actually feel the pain and the sorrow, and even if you do not agree with the choices of Tara, you canot avoid to suffer with her.

Not the best movie of the year, but for sure a good option to explore a little bit more the human nature of couples.

Gemma Arterton's performance was wonderful in this film. She summed up her feelings and thoughts perfectly and even triggered my own feelings in regards to depression. It was very moving and difficult to watch at times. Slow burned to create feelings of tension building up inside her.

Having a model family and a high life status doesn't always make you happy. Because apparently having a happy relationship lies on the chemistry you have with the other person. And the chemistry here in this woman's marriage is certainly lacking. I feel even if she weren't depressed the lack of chemistry would make this marriage doomed. And yes not everyone is made for parenting and for those who don't have the right partner things can become unbearable. Is there a way out? Our heroine finds one. But not totally costless...

For the first hour of the movie, I'm just waiting for Tara to leave home. Finally she does, and then I wait for her to do something. Anything. So many scenes in this movie, sometimes just one shot, raise questions and provide no answers. What is happening there? Where is she going? How will this end? Who knows? The only reason to watch is to see Gemma Arterton. She is beautiful. But she's in other movies which may be more worthwhile.

Artherton plays a mum, daughter and wife going through depression and wanting more. Most women will be able to relate to her situation and how she feels. Trying to keep a smile on her face through her every day but feeling exceptionally unhappy, she runs away to France to seek a new life whilst still living with the depression and guilt of leaving her life behind. Will she return to her unhappy life or start over again elsewhere?

This is a poignant film that leave you feeling sorry for all involved.