James Gardner

Whilst all biopics are subject to some (valid or not) criticism as to the perspective of the filmmakers, and the approval or not of those left behind - this film exudes love and respect for Amy’s undisputed talent, and for the most complex of characters at the heart of it. Whilst I suppose it would have been easy to make yet another film or documentary based on the shock of her descent into addiction and the tragedy of her loss - this film strikes a great balance of the JOY that the crazy path to stardom brought her, and how consuming her love for Blake is - which somehow adds to the pathos of the tragedy which unfolds. Marisa Abela is rightly lauded as a breakout star here, and the scenes she shares with Lesley Manville - in particular the last one - absolutely floored me - they are pitch perfect. Maybe the next artist propelled into global stardom will be treated with just a little more care and thought as to all that most dramatic of changes have brought to their lives. We can but hope. Thoroughly recommend this movie ❤️