Nocturnal (2019)

Set on the Yorkshire coast and in a world of greyness that's somewhat typical of realist films focusing on the English working classes, the story, which was written by the director alongside Olivia Waring, follows a developing relationship between two lonely souls and is laced with suspense. Having returned to her single mother's home region after a childhood spent in Ireland, young Laurie (Lauren Coe) struggles to find her place in her new high school. Following a frosty welcome by her classmates, she takes refuge in an intense training routine on the athletics track, and it's here that she comes to the attention of Pete (Cosmo Jarvis), a withdrawn character who makes ends meet by taking on a variety of renovation jobs, and who's right in the middle of splitting up with his girlfriend. The repeated, intense looks he casts Laurie's way fluster her and she ends up accepting to go on a boozy night out with him, without Pete taking advantage of the situation. A strange, platonic friendship develops between them, fuelled by nights out, beer, ecstasy, walks on the beach or through resolutely industrial landscapes. But as Laurie becomes increasingly forward, Pete is ever more evasive.