Coming of age drama set in Teesdale shows plenty of verve

THE angst and drama of teenage life in Teesdale has been captured in a movie now available on demand.

Directed by Barnard Castle filmmaker Oliver Smith, Verve tells the story of a group of teens surviving their final summer together after completing their A levels.

Verve was created entirely by young people.

At the heart of this coming-of-age tale is a blossoming romance between Sophie (Ella Blackburn) and Jim (Sean Mitchell), while around them their friends go through their own trials and tribulations.

Although this is his directorial debut, Mr Smith shows he is a dab hand with a camera, with some cleverly choreographed scenes that are as complicated as teenage life can be, but come together beautifully.

A scene of a group of six leaving the cinema is dynamically worked and something even more experienced directors would be proud of.

Amid the heartbreak, teen philosophy and general drama there are some wonderfully witty lines, particularly in scenes involving Pierre (Owen Carter), Carl (Elliot Bevan) and Gwen (Katherine Hardy).

Masterfully woven into the plot are beautifully worked pieces of origami, their folds as complex as the relationship between Sophie and Jim. And inevitably, the final piece of origami is a swan.

Taking a starring roll in Verve is Barnard Castle itself – the familiar sights of Teesdale School, The Bowes Museum, County Bridge and Scar Top show that the young people who created this movie are unashamedly proud of the town.

A highlight is the film’s soundtrack which has its roots entirely in Teesdale.

The lyrics and music of Sarah Berresford, of Oh Sister, and the band that emerged from the young musicians at The Hub, Kerosene, fit seamlessly into the script and cinematography.

Perhaps what was missing was a campfire scene at “The Beach” alongside the River Tees or perhaps up in Flatts Woods.

Verve is not perfect, and some of the inexperience of the young people involved shows through, but that makes it all the more endearing.

As a debut for the director, and the actors, and everyone else involved, it is an awesome effort that they can be proud of.

Verve is available from Vimeo On Demand at a cost of £3.50.

The film was possible, in part, thanks to a grant from Teesdale Action Partnership.