Kindling (2023)
A Restrained Yet Impactful Movie About Male Vulnerability
By Liselotte Vanophem
Every time we see a terminal illness portrayed on the big screen, the film’s goal is to be the biggest tearjerker of the year. But, unfortunately, it’s not always about an honest and vulnerable portrayal. Most of the time, it’s about attaching a big star to the film and making as much money as possible. Well, “Kindling”, the debut feature of writer/director Connor O’Hara, is the opposite. While presumable the filmmakers hope that they can get their film budget (and more) back in ticket sales, it’s clear that this isn’t their primary incentive. No, they wanted to tell an honest, true-to-life and impactful film about the C word, male vulnerability and the importance of friendship, and that is precisely what they did!
In this stunning movie, we follow Sid (George Somner), who has terminal testicular cancer (or that’s what we can assume). The C word is never mentioned in the film, which shows that the movie wants to do more than just shock and pull our heartstrings. Sid knows that it’s almost over for him, and to celebrate his life, he and his friends — Diggs (Wilson Mbomio), Plod (Rory Saper), Wolfie (Kaine Zajaz), and Dribble (Conrad Khan) — plan what they want to do during their final summer together. Don’t expect tons of crazy moments, beer and sex. This movie is about connecting with the people you love the most and spending time with them. The friends get the idea to make a huge bonfire and burn some items that make them think of Sid. The closer the bonfire night comes, the more Sid, his family and his friends are confronted with his illness.
Despite “Kindling” not being your typical feature about terminal illness, it shows you from the start that Sid doesn’t have much time left on this earth. The movie avoids all the usual sentimentality and over-the-top sappy moments, but it will still make you cry, so bring tissues. What makes this film even more touching isn’t only the fact that it’s based on actual events happening in O’Hara’s life but also because it highlights male friendship, vulnerability and intimacy in such as honest and sensitive way.
The top-notch cast superbly portrays the intimacy and those emotions. It’s clear that Sid is psychically deteriorating, but mentally, he’s strong. He goes through many lows, but luckily also has some highs. Somner stunningly portrays every emotion of that rollercoaster. Sid is undoubtedly the heart of “Kindling”, and Somner carries the film gracefully and with many fragilities. While the entire supporting cast is in great form, Tara Fitzgerald (“Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men”, “Sirens”) and Geoff Bell (“Poison Arrows”, “Kingsman: The Secret Service”) shine the brightest. Their portrayal of the grieving parents on the brink of losing their only child is heartbreaking. No moment between them doesn’t feel honest, authentic and moving.
This movie is more of a coming-of-age story for Sid’s friends as they’re trying to cope with the fact that their friend might not be around for much longer. Mbumio and Khan (“County Lines”, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War”) excel as the strong but also grieving friends as both balance their characters’ struggles perfectly. Harry Brokensha’s (“In the Cold Dark Night”, “Wilders”) score even adds more emotions to those gripping performances.
What makes this movie even more special are the different contrasts. It’s sad and melancholic but full of love, friendship and uplifting moments. No matter how tragic the moment is, David Wright’s warm cinematography gives you a virtual hug, making you feel like everything will be okay. While Sid has spent most of his life in the countryside, his friends have ventured elsewhere. The fact that they must return to the countryside because they don’t live there any more shows the distance between them. They also realize this might be the last time they spend together in Sid’s countryside home.
O’Hara’s debut stresses the importance of always cherishing our loved ones and always remembering who they are and that male vulnerability must be shown in real life and on-screen. The movie has laughs, tears and stunning performances. It’ll certainly bring comfort to the ones who sadly lost a loved one to C, and it’s a must-watch for all of us.
“Kindling” is out in U.K. cinemas and on digital platforms from the 21st of April
