Portraits of Dangerous Women

The incident that brings together Tina (Tara Fitzgerald), Steph (Jeany Spark) and Ashley (Yasmin Monet Prince) is bizarre. A dog is run over of which Ashley says she is the owner, though there’s more to that as the film progresses.

The women then get to know each other, while friends and family are dripped in. But the focus is on them. And it feels that very little happens as the film trundles forward though they open up about past lives, mental heath and familial problems.

However what develops is a character study of the women. Tina getting her life together as a school caretaker, were Steph works but can’t recall seeing her. And Ash who has an artistic talent with photographs which intrigues Steph’s father Jon (Mark Lewis Jones).

And so the film begins to open up their backgrounds to the audience. It is however wilfully odd at times; there’s a touch of the BBC’s Motherland when that programme is at its most annoyingly arch, and the percussive soundtrack grates no end.

Which means that it is easier to admire than to like. The acting from the three leads is excellent grasping the nuances as the characters develop. Kudos to director Pascal Bergamin and co-writer Stephan Teuwissen for taking a lean approach giving the actors plenty of space to work with.

There are a few strands that pull the women together so interest is maintained though precious little that really hooks the viewer. Its gentle progress as are the comedic elements.

It’s a slice of life that looks at three women brought together by circumstance, from which they bond, to a certain extent. In the end however you get the feeling that they will only ever be acquaintances.

It’s a slippery film to get latch onto. That could mean people just move on, or give it another watch.

Portraits of Dangerous Women will be in UK Cinemas from 11th October.