The Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak presents a frenetic, emotional family journey in her latest film Silver Haze. An incredible cast of characters, led by the magnificent Vicky Knight, highlights the drama.
Knight plays Franky, a nurse caring for her mentally ill mother. She is also searching for her estranged father. This is so she can discover why she was left in a burning bar as a child, and now carries the scars from that night. This is in no way a stretch from Knight’s real life: one-third of her body was burned in a similar fire when she was eight years old. Knight’s desire, bordering on passionate revenge, to discover the truth about her accident drives much of the story.
Also driving the story is Florence (Esme Creed-Miles), a patient Franky meets at her job. There really isn’t a “meet-cute” aspect to their relationship, considering Florence is coming off a suicide attempt as Franky tends to her. Yet, there is a certain magnetism between the two, even as Franky deals with figuring out her own sexuality (a relationship with a boy is alluded to before the two meeting).
Despite the odd circumstances of their meeting, Florence helps Franky break out and confront life. They go out and explore the London nightlife together. However, there is a dark side to them. Florence, while at the outset trying to help Franky confront her accident, mentions setting fire to Franky’s dad’s new pub as a way of revenge. The viewer is never really 100% certain where Florence’s loyalties lie, but that makes the film more compelling. Knight is the shining star here, as she tries navigating her current life and her past.
What public library shelves does Silver Haze belong on?
- Drama Films: The film's emotional and dramatic exploration of family dynamics, trauma, and personal discovery makes it a significant entry in the drama genre.
- International Cinema: As a Dutch film, Silver Haze fits well into collections featuring international cinema, offering a glimpse into Dutch filmmaking and culture.
- LGBTQ+ Themes: The film explores themes of sexuality and identity, making it relevant for collections focusing on LGBTQ+ stories and characters.
- Mental Health: Given the portrayal of characters dealing with mental health issues, this film would also be suitable for collections focusing on mental health and emotional well-being.