Wonderland **** (1999, Shirley Henderson, Gina McKee, Molly Parker, Jack Shepherd, Kika Markham, Ian Hart, John Simm, Stuart Townsend) – Classic Movie Review 3046

Michael Winterbottom’s 1999 drama of working-class Londoners Bill (Jack Shepherd) and Eileen (Kika Markham) and their three lonely grown-up daughters is a typically intense, effective and  gloomy tale.

They are cafe waitress Nadia, (Gina McKee ) who is looking for love in the personal ads; single mom Debbie (Shirley Henderson) who entertains men at her hair salon after hours; and Molly (Molly Parker) who is expecting her first baby with a troubled father.

Despite – or because of – the morose atmosphere, the script by Laurence Coriat, direction and acting from the fine cast are all absolutely first rate. Michael Nyman’s score is another big asset.

Also in the cast are Ian Hart, John Simm, Stuart Townsend, Enzo Cilenti and Sarah-Jane Potts.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 3046

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