Wah-Wah… the title intrigued me. What did this annoying two-syllable title have to offer? A lot, apparently.
As the biopic of Richard E. Grant’s (Gosford Park, Colour Me Kubrick) childhood, and the actor’s directional debut, Wah-Wah deals with his early days as a boy growing up in Swaziland as it went through a reformation. It sounds rather monotonous, but that’s far from the truth. Young Ralph (Nicholas Hoult, About a Boy) lives with his alcoholic father (Gabriel Byrne) and impossible mother (Miranda Richardson). His mother leaves her husband, and the father marries again. His second wife (Emily Watson) is kind, practical, and plain lovely.
Being a very character-driven film, I found myself delighted by the array of characters, heightened by the fact that they were real people. Memorable characters include Miranda Richardson as the malicious wife. Gosh she was a real bitch.
There are certain characters who both fascinate and grate your nerves like Ricky Gervais in The Office, and Richardson did exactly that.
Wah-Wah is a delightful film. The pace of it felt right, there were great shots of the scenery, and the acting was superb among other great elements in the film. Wah-Wah is a delicious piece of delightful cake. You will surely enjoy every last crumb.
DIRECTED BY RICHARD E. GRANT
Rialto Cinemas