Lovesick [Andrew Hamblin, UK, 2018]

We have all experienced heartbreak at some point in our lives, whether it is the loss of a loved one, the ending of a friendship or the parting of ways with a former lover. It is an inevitable part of human life that we all go through, but this fact doesn’t make loss any easier to deal with. Andrew Hamblin’s Lovesick explores the themes of loss and restoration, life after what could be described figuratively as the internal death of the soul. The film portrays the process of the average person attempting to find purpose again in a fight to regain a new perspective on life.

The main plot involves a young man who is having difficulties recovering from a previous relationship with his long-term girlfriend. The main protagonist, Anderson (played by Hamblin) evokes feelings of loneliness and heartache in his portrayal onscreen. Although the reasons for the dissolution of the relationship are not known, it is clearly conveyed that Anderson has become isolated, heavily laden with burden and despair.

Anderson’s faith in love begins to be restored when he meets a lovely young lady in a local café whom he believes to be ‘the one’. After a promising first date in a local park, romance begins to blossom between the two, prompting a positive transformation in Anderson. But an unexpected plot twist occurs and things take a turn for the worse.

The simplistic nature of the storyline and production edifies the emotions Anderson displays in dealing with his despair and hope, enabling the audience to connect with and root for him as he searches for love again. Lovesick is arguably a film for ‘rom-com’ fans with many subtle, humorous moments played out before the audience onscreen.

However, if you are not one that particularly enjoys the typical ‘boy-meets-girl’ story this may not be the film for you. The storyline may not be the most original and to everyone’s tastes, but what is undeniable is its positive message of perseverance and hope.

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'Lovesick' was film submissions in consideration for Short Focus Film Festival 2018.