Actor Paddy Considine made a fantastic directorial debut with Tyrannosaur, I watched a review for this on The Film Review, BBC News, it did look like it could be another good film. Basically, Matty Burton (Paddy Considine) is the middleweight boxing champion of the world. As he approaches the end of his career, he knows that he must make his money and get out of the game. He wants to secure a home and future with his wife Emma (Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker) and baby daughter Mia (twins Lexie and Lainie Duffy). His final fight is against the brash and controversial Andre "The Future" Bryte (Anthony Welsh). Following his victory in this monumental fight, Matty returns home, he suddenly collapses to the floor, suffering a delayed reaction to a devastating punch. Matty wakes from his coma, but he has suffered blow to the head, causing severe brain damage. It means that Matty has memory loss, a lack of some independence, his personality altered, and sometimes sudden moments of rage. Emma tries her best to look after Matty, but his changes, including some physical strikes, cause her distress. It is after an incident involving their baby daughter that Emma cannot take any more and decides to leave Matty to fend for himself. Matty realises that he needs to change, so with the support of his friends he tries to recall his memory, learn to do his tasks again, and even considers becoming a boxing trainer. After some time, one day, he is surprised to be visited by Andre Bryte, who asks for his forgiveness for his attitude before the fight, and what has happened since. Matty slowly recovers and is able to talk more clearly, has some better memory, and is doing well at the boxing club. He is happy when he receives a call from Emma, who is aware of his progress. She confesses that she misses him, and assures him that she loves him, but is not sure when she will be returning home. Matty tries hard to convince her that he has changed and is getting better but is unable to find all the words. Some time later, a special event is held to honour the career of Matty, and he talks to the audience explaining what has happened, thanking his friends for their support, and telling Andre that he does not blame him for what has happened. In the end, Emma does return with Mia to see Matty, and it seems that they may be able to rekindle their family. Also starring Paul Popplewell as Jackie, Tony Pitts as Richie, and Steve Bunce as Boxing Interviewer. Considine does a great job directing, and gives a splendid believable performance as the brain-damaged fighter who must fight to maintain his family, and Whittaker is equally great as his wife who has the heart-breaking choice of protecting herself and their baby, or staying and caring for the man she loves. It is an emotional and compassionate story, a very authentic portrayal of how a tragic accident can result in a family being broken apart, with elements of "triumph over adversity", harrowing and hard to watch in moments, but very profound and moving, a terrific drama. Very good!
Review of Journeyman
