Submarine successfully combines the quirky and the sweet, in this representation of adolescence in all of its messy, overdramatic, and bumbling glory.  

In the gallery of awkward teens in cinema, Submarine protagonist Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) is a highlight. Complete with black winter coat, suitcase and awkward shuffle, Oliver is the quintessential loner who learns that to survive high school he has to adapt to the norms of his classmates, often at the expense of his principals.

It is through his relationship with pyromaniac girlfriend Jordana (a spunky Yasmine Paige) that Oliver unintentional finds himself in love. Yet as his relationship blooms, the marriage of his depressed father (Noah Taylor) and unsatisfied mother (Sally Hawkins) begins to break apart, thanks to the re-emergence of his mums ex-boyfriend turned new age guru Graham (Paddy Considine, rocking a mullet from hell).

Although based on a book by Joe Dunthorne, writer/director Richard Ayoade (in his debut) makes the material his own, filling these characters with unique sensibilities and deadpan humour. A strong visual approach also works, Ayoade often utilising colour and graphics in an innovative way.

As a result, Submarine is a movie which vibes to a quirky rhythm. Oliver’s approach to life is both funny and awkward, his social buffoonery and surveyor of human relationships lending itself to cringe worthy scenarios, which Craig Roberts plays perfectly. 

The acting by Yasmine Paige, and especially Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins is also strong, blending understated comedy with frank drama. Uncomfortable family discussions between Oliver and his parents are wonderfully played out, with a father-to-son talk about relationships concluding with the passing of cassette tape compilation, a highlight.  

At its core this is a film about a 15 year old trying not to drown in teenagedom, while also trying to keep his family together.  Ayoade brings those conflicting emotions found in adolescence to the screen with humour and style, making Submarine a funny, sad, and moving trip to the depths of what it is to be young, confused, and in love.