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With the same unflinching honesty and stark detail found in Tim Roth's "The War Zone", Dom Rotheroe's strong debut also tackles the thorny issue of sexual abuse, confronting the stark alienation that faces adolescents whose innocence has been stolen. It's a strong and compelling debut, if decidedly uncomfortable viewing, as two suburban teenagers undergo a harsh rite of passage.
Jessica (Harrison) is a bullied schoolgirl whose adolescence is scarred when her teacher rapes her. She meets the similarly bullied Tom (Whishaw), whose severe home life has led him to withdraw to a feral existence in the nearby woods. They develop an intense non-sexual attachment - a bond only strengthened when Jessica discovers the horrific truth behind Tom's new life.
Rotheroe's hand-held digital camerawork is effective in creating the intimate atmosphere and bringing a raw beauty to the film. Set mostly in the woods, there is a deliberately magical atmosphere to Tom and Jessica's life of mutual escape.
While the adult roles are split between ignorant or truly monstrous, the two leads take on brave roles for young first-timers. Harrison is convincing in her transition from sensible teenager to a young woman charged with a fatalistic passion, and Whishaw is gripping as a maelstrom of self-abuse and bizarre expression.
It's intriguing to see this oft-ignored aspect of teen life, and Rotheroe has captured it well. It's a pity that the target age group cannot see this film, just as it's a pity the subject matter won't find a wide audience. Nonetheless, "My Brother Tom" is an expertly confrontational piece, with an intense glimpse of the lengths taken to dismiss pain.
