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In it, lead character Georgie (Lola Campbell) wears a Hammers top from the mid-nineties that once belonged to her estranged father, Jason (Harris Dickenson). Directed and written by Regan, the film charms your socks and shorts off with details just like it. If West Ham fans ever need a pick-me-up—more of a case of when than if, to be honest—'Scrapper' hits the spot.
So does this 2020 commercial for Branston Pickle about a woman who's recently moved out of the family home. She has a new flat, a new job, and—most importantly—a new voicemail from mum and dad. However, it's the audience that hears it first. Jack Croft and Stacey Bird's script is a lovely blend of incidental details ("Dad's hurt his ankle again!") and encouragement, evoking any message from home that says nothing and everything at the same time. Of course, the protagonist already has enough to think about. Through Regan's assured direction, we see the woman gradually find her rhythm, with the odd night conked out on the sofa or burning the midnight oil. In a nice touch, these moments are flecked with parental commentary ("You know how you get when you're tired").
Emotions also run high in this Alzheimer's Society commercial, where a man delivers a eulogy for his mother at her funeral. The cruelty of Alzheimer's is highlighted by his depiction of her recent demise as only being the last in a series of deaths. This is in keeping with the sense of loss felt by many whose loved ones slowly succumb to this disease. Regan keeps an even pace between pathos and anger, especially in the performance of the lead. This is a brave move as films like this normally lean toward sentimentality, but it's well judged and makes for a much more impactful impression. The descent into Alzheimer's is obviously terrible for the person at its centre, but as this film makes clear, it's also terrible for those around them... more so, perhaps.
You can watch more of Charlotte Regan's work here. Next, ring Bethany Reilly on 020 3487 1270 or email bethany@somesuch.co.
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