I didn’t really know what to expect when I bought The Party’s Just Beginning on iTunes. I knew what it was about in the most basic terms as I’d seen the trailer, but I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’ve been a huge Karen Gillan fan for more than four years now and have been waiting for this film since I first l learned of its existence. As a writer myself, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Karen had written an entire full length movie since I enjoyed Conventional so much (read my review of it here).
**Considering I’ve written three screenplays and took a Film Studies course, I feel I can write an unbiased review of the quality of the film even though I’m such a big Karen Gillan fan**
(Spoilers Below)
For starters, the opening of the film was quite beautiful. I really enjoyed the establishing shots of Inverness as well as the fade in to the first shot of Liusaidh. The rest of the film did not disappoint in terms of the cinematography, especially with the shots of Liusaidh walking down the stairs in the reflection of the phone, the shots under blankets or sweaters, and all the profile shots of Liusaidh, which helped give a perspective and create interest for the viewer.
The use of sound was also very effective, especially the creak of the rope swinging that carried on until the scream off screen. The sounds present added to the ambiance of the film and made me feel as if I was there with Liusaidh, experiencing the same things she was. The music too was very effective, especially the changes in it, from heavy rock/electronic, to soft and sad piano, it showed the rollercoaster of emotion Liusaidh experienced throughout the film.
On a more general note, I love the way this film plays with time. The flashbacks of Alistair (especially intermixed with Liusaidh’s current situations) sprinkled throughout helped give context to his (?) emotional state and why he committed suicide in the first place. It also showed the relationship between Liusaidh and Alistair and how it evolved along with the changing events in their lives. One thing I found interesting, at least the first time I watched it, was that it seemed Liusaidh seemed as though she had some deeper feelings for Alistair than just close friends. Whether or not this was the case, it made me more invested in Liusaidh’s attachment to Alistair and feel her pain much more.
For me, one of the best and most surprising parts was Alistair’s identity. I was not expecting there to be an LGBTQ+ character in this film but I at least thought Alistair was portrayed well, as I am part of the community. I did have trouble following exactly how Alistair identifies but I believe that was kind of the point as his situation with everything that was happening in his life just got to be too much and he couldn’t take it anymore.
As a queer person who has been depressed for most of their life, this part of the film really resonated with me. I understood all of the things both Liusaidh and Alistair were feeling at different points in the film. I also understood Alistair’s pain inherently and why he ended his life because I have felt that hopeless and alone before.
I also really appreciated Liusaidh’s speech at the end because it was something I wish I would have thought when I was in that place three years ago. I definitely almost cried multiple times because of how much I related to the struggles of being LGBTQ+ and having depression that feels completely overwhelming.
I didn’t love the whole film though as there were aspects that I did have trouble with such as all the different storylines in Liusaidh’s life as well as the flashbacks, but in a way these were what made the film so brilliant. I really enjoyed The Party’s Just Beginning both times I’ve watched it and I’m sure I’ll watch it many more times. 9/10
