We have some streaming news today as the new comedy-drama film Our Kid shares the story of a working-class family learning to deal with adversity through humour and community. Our Kid, which premiered as part of the Raindance Film Festival, is based on the multi-award-winning short: ‘THOMAS’ by Daniel P. Lewis. The film is written by Daniel P. Lewis and is directed by veteran ‘bad guy’ actor Sean Cronin.
Sean Cronin has been a villain in over 89 films and incredibly died in 85 of them, including ‘James Bond’, ‘Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation’, ‘Fantastic Beasts’, ‘Kill Kane’ and many more. In recent years, Sean has turned to directing films, including WW1 Drama ‘Eleven’ and drama biopic ‘Give Them Wings’.
Our Kid features an all-star British cast including Connor McIntyre (Coronation Street), John McArdle (Brookside), Mark Moraghan (Holby City), Leanne Best (Tin Star, Young Wallander, Bolan’s Shoes, Carnival Row, Compulsion), Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family, The Brothers Grimsby), Louis Emerick (Layer Cake), Angela Dixon (Never Let Go), Daniel P. Lewis (Billy Smith), Sharon Byatt (Bread) and 14-year-old Poppie Jae-Hughes, as the young female lead.
The story is told through the eyes and imagination of twelve-year-old Laura Reilly (Poppie Jae-Hughes), whose only goal in life is to one day play football professionally. Although Laura has many footballing heroes, her older brother Thomas has won her ultimate admiration – with his quest to raise money for charity through a sponsored bike ride while overcoming the challenges he will face from his Cerebral Palsy. Family and friends pull together to help Thomas overcome adversity and show the community what determination and perseverance can achieve.
Mum Tracey (Sharon Byatt) is the full-time carer for Thomas and the head of the family. Dad, John (Connor), is best described as a “cowboy builder”, and Grandad, Allan (John McArdle), a cab driver who only communicates through ‘dad jokes’. Together, they all share a tragedy, and through arguments, grieving, and eventually understanding, it strengthens their bonds and brings the family closer together.
Our Kid is an endearing and powerful comedy-drama, a slice-of-life approach to storytelling that promises to take viewers on an emotional roller-coaster—a must-watch for fans of British independent film.
You can now stream Our Kid on Apple Store, Amazon, Google Play and YouTube (pay per view)
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
