The 2010 British comedy film, “Submarine,” is the story of 15 year-old Oliver Tate as he tries to save his parents’ dissolving marriage while trying to impress his pyromaniac girlfriend. Oliver narrates throughout the film, and the movie is divided up into marked portions of a play: prologue, scenes, and epilogue. Throughout, Oliver struggles with his own awkwardness and inability to effectively communicate. This plays in nicely with the intention to show the film as a narrated play, as it’s unlikely that Oliver would retell the series of events as anything other than a plot with characters because of his propensity to remove himself from social situations.
What I enjoyed most about this movie was how director Richard Ayoade created neither a drama nor a comedy, but both are valid classifications. “Submarine” simply shows Oliver’s interpretation of a story that happened in his life, and nothing more. The constant patina over the colors of the film are perfect for how Oliver would remember something, and the film direction was great in this regard.
Overall, I don’t see widespread audiences enjoying the film because it’s so dry and seemingly-depressed. However, for those special few who like that sort of thing, “Submarine” is likely a quick favorite that you can enjoy for years to come.
I recommend this film to anyone who likes British humor, different movies, or the hopeless romantic.
