The Flood *** (2019, Lena Headey, Iain Glen, Ivanno Jeremiah, Arsher Ali) – Movie Review

The admirable Lena Headey hits the nail on the head as Wendy, a troubled, weary British immigration officer, whose job it is to decide the fate of an asylum seeker (Ivanno Jeremiah), in director Anthony Woodley’s tense, atmospheric and moving refugee drama The Flood.

Iain Glen is effective too as her uncaring boss Philip, who just wants her to get the job over and done with and the guy sent back to where he came from, while Jeremiah is outstanding as Haile.

Made for $3,000,000 by Megatopia Films, with Luke Healy as producer and Headey as executive producer, it is a small scale British film, but thoroughly commendable, worthwhile and first class of its kind. It is imaginatively handed by Anthony Woodley, and Jon Muschamp’s cinematography and Billy Jupp’s music are also notable, gritty and unusual.

Helen Kingston’s screenplay is persuasive, credible and full of decent, telling dialogue. It makes its case clear without any preaching, and the film works both as an entertainment and eye-opener.

The Flood is in UK cinemas and on demand from 21 June 2019.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Movie Review

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