Every scene was like watching a poem come to life with music, video visual art, and drama!

Andrew Stegall's film 'Departure' tells the story of a son and his mother under pressure when they have to sell their holiday home in the wake of the break-up of her marriage; and simultaneously, of the son's nascent interest in a local youth. At times, we're dangerously close to Joanna Hogg territory (and I don't mean that kindly), but the characters are mercifully drawn with more warmth and we're allowed enough of a glimpse of the back-story so that the film makes sense. It's still not quite right, however, with alterations between sections that are well-crafted, dull Hogg-like periods where nothing happens save for the characters sulking in their misery, and occasional moments oddly presented as ephanaic in a way that jibes with the mood of the rest of the film. It's not awful, but I found it hard to get engaged.

I hated this movie; it was terrible! The only redeeming feature is the setting: the South of France in autumn which is captured magnificently by great camera work. The performances by some of the supporting cast namely Phenix Brossard as Clemente and Finbar Lynch as Philip, Elliot's father, are wooden. While the opportunity to provide an insight into the exploration of sexuality by Elliott (Alex Lawther) isn't totally lost, it's often clichéd. The representation of women in the film is pitiful. This is a bleak, miserable and depressing story so be prepared. And the off-hand disclosure at the end when Philip and Beatrice (Juliet Stevenson) are arguing is trite.

Teenage Elliott and his mother Beatrice return for one last time to the beautiful family house in South-West France in the autumn, to pack up and sell it. Whilst there, they meet someone who touches them both."Do you think you can know something before it happens?" asks the young Elliott. As the autumn leaves fall and Elliott explores his sexuality, he realises the summer of innocence is gone forever. Juliet Stevenson and Alex Lawther are perfect in this haunting film. The photography is stunningly beautiful and complimented by a wonderful soundtrack including Oliver Daldry.This is a film you will want to see again.