SummaryLiusaidh (Karen Gillan) is a sharp-witted, foul-mouthed, heavy-drinking twenty-something who is still reeling from a recent loss. Living with her parents in the remote Scottish Highlands, she spends most nights boozing at the local pub and embarks on what she assumes—perhaps rightly—will be yet another short-term fling when she hooks up with an o... Read More
Directed By:Karen Gillan
Written By:Karen Gillan
The Party's Just Beginning
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Where to Watch
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
57% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
43% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 27, 2018
83
Set in Gillan’s own hometown of Inverness, the film uses the tragic history of the Scottish Highlands (which has the highest suicide rate in the U.K.) to spin out an intimate coming of age tale, bolstered by Gillan’s dark sense of humor and a firm understanding of how to play with narrative conventions.
Dec 6, 2018
80
Gillan plays her messy, mournful role with unfussy integrity. The movie does not stray beyond the borders of the modest character study, but within those parameters, it’s accomplished and impressively straightforward.
Dec 5, 2018
80
Gillan, returning to her Highlands roots to spotlight a depressingly high suicide rate there among young people, has not only given herself an expectedly meaty role that walks a fine line between sad and bitterly funny, but she’s proven to be a director with a keen eye for expressive visuals.
Apr 27, 2018
70
A brutal, meandering depiction of a quarter-life crisis, Gillan’s script is staunchly resistant of silver linings or “it gets better” messaging.
Dec 23, 2019
60
I can’t help thinking Gillan’s superpower as a writer and performer might actually be comedy. Still, always a compelling screen presence, she’s now a film-maker to watch.
Nov 30, 2019
60
A strikingly odd and original debut that is admirable for taking the triple-threat of suicide, depression and addiction in its nonchalant stride, although the confusing presentation of separate timelines mutes the overall impact.
Apr 27, 2018
50
The movie, a wayward portrait with surrealist touches, is trying for something genuine. Yet despite some good scenes, some tart lines...and an atmosphere of saintly desperation that suggests “Trainspotting” redone as a darkened YA fable, the movie is wispy and meandering; it doesn’t gather power as it goes along.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
73% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
27% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
May 19, 2019
10
First a warning; this is quite a bit darker than anything else Karen has done to date. There are several serious adult themes here; not appropriate for children. That being said, this is a powerful, disturbing, yet moving film, written, directed and starring Karen. The only disappointment for me is that isn't available on blu-ray yet.
Dec 4, 2019
8
The Party’s Just Beginning is Karren Gillan’s feature-length directorial debut and what a film to make your mark as a director and screenwriter. The direction is assured, and the script is unexpectedly both witty and moving as she tackles some sensitive topics including suicide, grief, drug abuse, ****, and the abuse of trans women.
Production Company:
- Mt. Hollywood Films
- Synchronicity Films
Release Date:Dec 7, 2018
Duration:1 h 31 m
Awards
Glasgow Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
BAFTA Awards, Scotland
• 1 Nomination
Philadelphia Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
