Based on the book by Joe Dunthorne, Submarine is a terrific British coming of age drama, with an outstanding central performance by relative newcomer Craig Roberts.

The film tells the story of Roberts’ character, Oliver Tate, a 15-year old who’s something of a social outcast. However, he’s a social outcast who appears to have attracted the attention of Jordana, played by Yasmin Paige. Naturally, things aren’t quite that simple, and their story is played out engagingly over the ensuing hour and a half. It’s refreshing that the path of the characters doesn’t tread predictable lines, too.

What’s remarkable about Submarine isn’t just the performances, though. For it’s hard not to be won over by the confidence and skill of first-time writer-director Richard Ayoade. Ayoade is, of course, best known for playing Moss in The I.T. Crowd, but he’s got an even brighter future behind the camera on this evidence.

It’s a terrific piece of work. The characters are believable, the story well done, and there are welcome dashes of humour, too, not least from Paddy Considine’s small but impactful role in the film. Submarine is, ultimately, a diligently balanced comedy drama, and a special one at that. Warmly recommended. --Jon Foster