X: REVIEWS (select)
UK Film Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐: "Duggan delivers a powerful film which communicates the sharp edges of relationships which photoshopped pictures on Tinder can’t vocalise...an incredibly nuanced piece of work. If X does indeed mark the spot, dig here." (Click for FULL REVIEW)
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "A poetic and authentic film. Deep and powerful storytelling that doesn't shy away from the sometimes painful and toxic side of relationships, while also exploring hope, resilience, and the light that exists on the other side of heartbreak...Beautiful filmmaking from writer and director Mark Duggan."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "A cross between Before Sunrise and......and I'm not quite sure what else it's a cross between. Knew nothing about this film, and for some reason I thought it was an American indie, then I watched and realised it was British. Very good, though, shot through with realism, great locations, great cinematography and relatable dialogue, esp[ecially] if you've been in the kind of relationship that this one explores. Well worth the rental price."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "A lovely thought provoking film about individuals, relationships, love and self love. The change of tone in the second half of the film is really beautiful, as well as the relationship between those two characters. Must watch!"
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "Beautifully shot! It's dark, powerful but also uplifting. Would highly recommend watching it."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "Great film, great actors. Wish there was more, didn't want it to end. Just shows what goes on behind closed doors...Men can suffer with domestic abuse too. Great film highlighting this."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ : "Gritty & Raw: I really enjoyed this film and couldn't leave my seat. The actors were amazing in this and really made this story come to life - Jennifer Hayden, fantastic. Some tense moments that had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. A lovely ending too, I will now be listening to Abbey Road"
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "A film of two halves as the viewer is taken on one man’s odyssey from an abusive, narcissistic, relationship to a feel-good world of hope and positivity. Along that journey he is joined by a female who, searching for something similar, becomes his Ariadne. Interspersed with comedy, music and beautiful cinematography it is a film that can be enjoyed again and again..."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "This was, simply, SO GOOD. I could have immediately watched it again. And again. The ending leaves you with so many feelings, it's hard to put into words. An emotional, raw portrayal of heartbreak and the hope that there can be a way out of that. Beautifully done all around."
Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: "This is a stunning film! The characters feel like real people. It has a truly heartfelt narrative with an observant and pretty witty take on modern day relationships...You are taken on a journey that starts off pretty bleak, it meanders through the ongoing heartache caused by an abusive relationship, but then explores the challenges and joy of moving beyond that soul destroying experience. I particularly loved the cinematography, there are so many shots in this film I'd happily hang on my wall! If you're looking for a film with depth, truth, beauty and heart, you should give this a watch."
David Crighton (Senior Lecturer, Wrexham University): "Thoroughly enjoyed this!...Painful, powerful and uplifting in equal measures"
Dr. Jonathan Wroot (Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, Greenwich University): “There is a distinct authorial voice in this story, with Duggan filming and editing, as well as directing and writing. This is because it is a low budget production, but Duggan also has a clear passion for telling intimate and engrossing stories. The black and white cinematography emphasises the realism of the story - both in terms of its Manchester setting, and the universal themes found in the characters and narrative. The music and settings (urban and rural) also bring in hints of magical realism, in terms of conveying emotions and feelings. Duggan makes Manchester both distinctive and familiar as a storytelling backdrop, like many other cities in films - such as London, LA, New York, Paris, etc. When the story does get to London, Duggan provides a new perspective. What starts off as a seemingly grim relationship drama turns unexpectedly into a touching story about lost souls consoling each other. An assured feature debut. It is going to be exciting to see how Duggan develops and uses his skills for future projects."