Submarine (2010)

From NetFlix:

When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.

Each of us has undoubtedly experienced at least some of the problems facing Oliver in this Welsh coming-of-age comedy. But a lot seems piled on poor Oliver: his parents’ troubled marriage, bullying at school, first love (sound familiar ?). What separates this film from all those many similar coming-of-age plots is Oliver’s unique take on things. There is a kind of crass daring in his methods: how he spies on his parents, his house break-ins to save his parent’s marriage, his fastidious planning of his loss of virginity. And his girl friend Jordana is a real match for him (a pun, since they both enjoy setting fires).

Expect some good sight gags (especially one freeze frame near the beginning). Expect some outrageously frank if not downright crass talk, even from the grownups.

Hope this is your cup of tea!

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