Albatross
Beth (Felicity Jones), a bookish teenager, becomes friends with Emilia (Jessica Brown Findlay) and has an affair with the latter's father. And for sure, that relationship threatens to have devastating consequences.
10 September 1984, Exeter, Devon, England, UK
1963, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
1972, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK
4 April 1923, Wem, Shropshire, England, UK
31 May 1962, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
16 May 1990, London, England, UK
14 September 1989, Cookham, Berkshire, England, UK
12 February 1983, London, England, UK
1977, London, England, UK
4 January 1965, Epsom, Surrey, England, UK
2 November 1923, Fulham, West London, England, UK
17 October 1983, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK
26 September 1984, Zurich, Switzerland
January 08, 2012
Yes, the title of Albatross is a metaphor. In fact, the eponymous bird shows up not as a figurative chokehold around the neck of simply one character, but at least three.
January 12, 2012
The lack of subtlety makes the story's familiar beats only more obvious.
February 29, 2012
There are dimensions to Emelia that are welcome, but often rudely condensed by director Niall McCormick, who burns through the picture in 85 minutes, never lingering long enough on domestic tension or behavioral awareness.
October 20, 2011
Beautifully filmed and acted, but lacking a central perspective.
January 26, 2012
A serving of teenage angst with a side order of syrup which, like the films of John Hughes, treats both characters and audience with respect and affection.
January 12, 2012
Charmingly low-key, the British coming-of-age drama "Albatross" offsets slack plotting with creative casting and sensitive performances.
January 12, 2012
The performances are compelling (although Jones is underused) but the thin narrative is less instructive of the strange way female friendships operate than of the way stories get recycled.
January 20, 2012
Newcomer Brown Findlay brings some laughs and energy to an otherwise predictable tale of family strife that is modestly compelling but ultimately forgettable.
October 18, 2011
A startling performace from Findlay doesn't quite make up for a disappointing third act.
January 10, 2012
Innocence is lost -- as well as 90 minutes of your precious, precious time.
October 19, 2011
German star Koch (The Lives of Others) has a Burton-lite intensity, with Julia Ormond well cast as his wife and Beth's mother.
January 10, 2012
Albatross shifts from indie fairy tale to farce, only to accept its fate as a coming-of-age melodrama.
