EIFF 2022: The Score
The Score is a musical but only by definition. From Johnny Flynn's suitably humble soundtrack to the humdrum roadside cafe setting, it swaps Hollywood glamour for a subdued sweetness
“There is no special,” says Gloria, leaning against the dimly lit counter. “What you see is what you get.” She’s not wrong. This unconventional musical puts aside the usual glamour for a subdued sweetness.
The love-story-wrapped-up-in-heist follows Mike (Johnny Flynn) and Troy (Will Poulter) awaiting an unknown criminal deal at some roadside cafe where, over one surprisingly long day, Troy falls for waitress Gloria (Naomi Ackie). Through the characters’ seemingly less-than-innocent circumstances, it questions what it means to feel stuck and worthless and what, or who, it takes to change that feeling.
The film manages to spend the majority of its 90 minutes runtime in this grim cafe – off-white mugs, too much wood panelling, oppressively low ceilings – without becoming similarly stifling, and this is undoubtedly part of its charm. There’s a certain muddiness to it: it is slow, sometimes trudging, almost a little awkward. But it’s quite pleasant, this British summertime feel, the audio-visual equivalent of damp shoes and midges.
It’s a musical, yes, but only by definition, not essence. Instead, Flynn’s original music provides a fun yet suitably humble soundtrack to the film. Aside from the jarring opening number, each musical interlude sits right enough, gently nudging the story along. The predictable ending could never have been anything but – therefore it gets away with it. A little disappointing but still charming. There are no revelations, nor any grand musical numbers. There is no special. What we see is what we get; but, here, maybe that’s enough.
Released 9 Sep by Republic Films; certificate 15