The Party's Just Beginning

Name: The Party's Just Beginning
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: December 7, 2018
Duration: 91 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Jamie Quinn, Karen Gillan, Kristopher Blair, Lee Pace, Lesley Harcourt

2018

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Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings

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The Party's Just Beginning

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Movie Details & Credits

The Orchard | Release Date: December 7, 2018 | Not Rated

Starring: Jamie Quinn, Karen Gillan, Kristopher Blair, Lee Pace, Lesley Harcourt, Mathew Zajac, Matthew Beard, Paul Higgins, Paul Tinto, Rachel Jackson, Siobhan Redmond, Stephen Nelson

Summary: Liusaidh (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 upLiusaidh (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 out-of-towner (Lee Pace) who is going through a midlife crisis. At the same time, a wrong number leads Liusaidh to an anonymous connection with an old man who is grappling with his own end-of-life questions and regrets. These three characters, each at their own crossroads, search for answers—together and independently—in the cold northern landscape, under fleeting glimpses of the Northern Lights. [Tribeca Film Festival]… Expand

Director: Karen Gillan

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 91 min

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Critic Reviews

IndieWire Kate Erbland

Apr 27, 2018

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. Read full review

Robert Abele

Dec 5, 2018

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. Read full review

Glenn Kenny

Dec 6, 2018

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. Read full review

Emily Yoshida

Apr 27, 2018

A brutal, meandering depiction of a quarter-life crisis, Gillan’s script is staunchly resistant of silver linings or “it gets better” messaging. Read full review

The Guardian Cath Clarke

Dec 23, 2019

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. Read full review

Empire Sophie Monks Kaufman

Nov 30, 2019

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. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Apr 27, 2018

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. Read full review

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User Reviews

MA3935

May 19, 2019

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 disappointmentFirst 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.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

JumpCut_Online

Dec 4, 2019

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, drugThe 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, rape, and the abuse of trans women.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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