One Life Stand

In terms of small, personal, feature-length filmmaking, it doesn't get much smaller than this. Written, directed, shot and edited by music video director May Miles Thomas - and recorded entirely on mini-DV with a budget of £35K - this Glaswegian drama is something special. The title may sound like some kind of government health initiative, but this is a very powerful and affecting film. Maureen Carr is excellent as a middle-aged single mum, attempting to help her son (John Kielty) get somewhere in life, but inadvertantly pushing him away from herself and into trouble. Apparently the script was largely improvised from a rough guideline, which makes its depth and focus all the more impressive. Addressing a myriad of themes, from communication breakdown to relationships and power, it's an original story that builds to a dark and disturbing climax. Visually striking and almost poetic in its construction, 'One Life Stand' is an impressive achievement worth seeking out. [Paul Gallagher]