In a bleak Inverness midwinter, Luisaidh is careening off the rails after the suicide of her best friend. She medicates her misery with joyless sex, chips and a belief in the power of positive drinking. Surrounded by bittersweet memories, she struggles to find someone to talk to or some reason to make life worthwhile at the most stressful time of the year.
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This movie really resonated with me because several of the topics are very personal to my life. I have always liked Karen in her films, but this project took my admiration to a much higher respected level. She is now a filmmaker, not just an actress. I later found out (went into the festival screening not knowing she was both director and scriptwriter) this was her directorial debut. Scottish film, but all the topics discussed cross over to other countries, so don't think this is just a UK film being shown in the US. Being someone that has been close to several of the topics in this movie had a real impact on me personally...... the movie really stayed on my mind for weeks. This film needs to be seen by people, it is impacts to the viewer. Also, a film I can't wait to buy AFTER I see it again on the big screen, it's one you need to see several times. Karen, for a first time director, did an amazing job. I enjoyed the flow of the film in how it looks back in time about several of the facts. The scenes on the train bridge are amazing and so well done. I was blown away. Cool soundtrack! Karen what is next for you in the directing chair? Can't wait to find out.
I'm not going to spoil anything here, but I will say that Karen Gillan's "The Party's Just Beginning" isn't a perfect film. There's a lot of stuff going on and not all of it gets a resolution. But it's still very well acted (Gillan's best performance yet), well written, and beautifully directed. It's a very confident debut and Gillan's voice really shines through. I've seen reviews angry at the film, saying that it "exploits" people who identify as transgender or that she "exploits" suicide, which I think is just ridiculous. I really believe that all of that is just down to the fact that Gillan tried to include a lot of different topics and themes in this film. Some are included unsuccessfully, and the film can feel a bit overstuffed, but in my opinion, most of the themes have a good pay off.Without spoiling anything, I can say that The Party's Just Beginning is an incredibly assured debut. It's got a strong cast, a socially relevant, poignant, and funny script, and even when it doesn't land every punch, The Party's Just Beginning is still an admirable, emotional, and immensely enjoyable directorial debut that marks Karen Gillan as an actor and a director to watch. 9 out of 10.
