DIRECTOR: THOMAS WILSON-WHITE | SCREENPLAY: THOMAS WILSON-WHITE | STARRING: JANE WATT, SHIV PALEKAR, KIRSTY MARILLIER, CAMILLA AH KIN, RHONDDA FINDELTON | RELEASE DATE: MARCH 16TH (BFI FLARE)
Time travel has been used for many things throughout movie history, from protecting future leaders to reversing mass genocide. Rarely, however, have we seen it used as a vehicle for exploring death and loss in as profound a manner as this. That’s what The Greenhouse offers, treating its fantastical central element with a tenderness and subtly that offers a refreshing spin on one of science fiction’s most famous inventions.
When Beth (Jane Watt) discovers a greenhouse that transports her back to moments from her past, it gives her the opportunity to rue past failures as well as reminisce about better times. Beth’s increasingly prevalent existence in her memories is the basis for a moving family drama adorned with fractured relationships and some quietly breathtaking camerawork. The greenhouse interior, with glum whites contrasting with greenery full of life, makes for an oasis that emotionally symbolises how Beth’s life has been prevented from flourishing by constraints and barriers from her past. Wilson-White’s gentle touch makes this exploration of grief a powerful and deeply personalised experience. Anchoring this success are some accomplished performances, Watt and Palekar in particular standing out when it comes to channelling emotional turmoil.
The character-driven, introspective focus doesn’t sit perfectly with the high-stakes adventure that closes the film. Yet it takes little more than another irresistibly misty landscape shot or painful flashback to Beth’s past is needed to immediately reel you back in. Time travel is used for emotive effect in The Greenhouse, astonishing you with its sensitivity and detail. Wilson-White teases out how being brave enough to step back into the past can leave lasting impacts on both your present and future.
