(spoiler free)
Life as a postgraduate can be challenging, especially for those who don’t walk straight into a job. It can often be the first stage in a person’s life where their immediate future isn’t so obvious to them. Without a clear sense of direction it can be easy to feel unsure about what your next step should be. And in filmmaker Jack McLoughlin’s feature debut Kate & Jake, it’s this very unpredictable stage of life that the titular young couple find themselves struggling in.
Perhaps having a significant other in a similar position might help ease the pressures of this period though? Well, McLoughlin quickly shows his audience that despite a very cute and promising introduction at a uni house party, things haven’t appeared to end so well for Kate (Sarah-Louise Chadwick) & Jake (Michael Latham). Now, having been separated for a number of months, the film follows the ex-couple after Kate calls Jake with some big news, whilst also looking back on their time together during their relationship. It jumps between the two different time periods which run parallel alongside each other for the film’s runtime.
The film differentiates between these two sections well, including simple visual and tonal contrasts to help the audience keep track. The only real issue with this technique is the passing of time, which isn’t always conveyed as clearly as it could be, leading to a few jarring moments. Otherwise, this structure largely works for the film, creating intrigue and demonstrating a creativity in McLoughlin’s storytelling.
The film really excels in its early stages, effectively capturing the spark that ignites between Kate and Jake. A charming first date features all those initially awkward interactions that come with the beginning of any new relationship, and a smartly constructed montage further helps with the couple’s development, simultaneously endearing audiences to them. These moments of joy – made all the more convincing by the great romantic chemistry between Sarah-Louise Chadwick and Michael Latham – will leave viewers questioning just what could possibly have caused the breakdown in their relationship.
Yet as the film progresses it begins to explore several matters beyond just that of the uncertainty of life in your twenties. Considering the director’s previous work, which includes a fine collection of short films (Bud, Jumpers for Goalposts and Dead Boys) all of which deal with social issues in at least some capacity, this is unsurprising. Continuing this pattern of relevant and attuned storytelling over a feature runtime, among other issues, Kate & Jake goes on to traverse themes of mental health, clearly articulating valid experiences of the struggles it can cause, showcasing the effects both on individuals and couples.
The film is a little like if Sally Rooney’s Normal People was set in Liverpool, as the combination of young romance and affecting drama in Kate and Jake feels authentic, you can tell it’s from a place of well-informed personal experience. Whilst understandably it lacks some of the production value and depth that the aforementioned miniseries boasts, it nonetheless remains in possession of the intentional, human storytelling at its core.
The film’s young leads help to portray this too, conveying the highs of the couple’s relationship well. Latham in particular impresses, managing to deliver in both sections of the film. However, in the film’s more dramatic scenes, the leads’ dramatic chemistry isn’t always just as convincing as their romantic chemistry. There are a few standout moments that really do showcase their capabilities excellently, but overall there’s a slight inconsistency to these more intense confrontations that gives the film a hesitancy in reaching its full potential.
Although with a solid supporting cast ready to do just that: support, Kate & Jake thoughtfully shares the weight of the film on all of their shoulders. Crissy Rock especially brings a presence to the picture that can at times feel lacking elsewhere. Her brief moments on screen (some more would have been very welcome) really elevate the film. But as a whole the collection of players assembled here do a commendable job at creating a realistic portrait of family life, both with moments of joy and genuine humour, as well as communicating the more challenging aspects it can also bring.
Ultimately Kate & Jake demonstrates a very real understanding of the actual issues facing working-class young people today. It brings them to screen with a sincerity that shouldn’t be undervalued. And whilst the narrative needs a little more development and slightly better pacing, the film undeniably presents a solid showcase of multi-generational, regional talent. So although in places Kate & Jake, much like its characters, can feel a little unsure of itself; it exhibits a relatability that’s hard not to appreciate.
Written by Hamish Calvert
★★★
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