The Fence, a debut by writer-director William Stone, is an expansion of a well-received 2018 short film of the same name. The movie showcases a mix of fresh and familiar faces on screen, with the redoubtable Sally Phillips playing Sharon, a working-class mother to two dodgy young men, living on a Bristol council estate in the 1980s.
David Perkins, a newcomer from Hollyoaks, gives a standout performance as Steve, Sharon’s younger son. Steve saves enough money to buy a small Honda XL 125 motorbike, which gets stolen shortly after he parks it outside his front door. The film follows Steve’s journey as he tries to find the culprit, with the police showing little interest due to his brother Andrew’s (Eugene Simon) criminal record.
Stone and his team have a sharp eye for the semiotics of subcultures of the time, with the brothers adopting skinhead haircuts and attire, but not espousing the racist views of Enoch Powell. The film depicts a multicultural Bristol, albeit perhaps somewhat idealised. The movie’s setting includes pubs, playgrounds, and sidestreets where drug dealers sell heroin.
The Fence offers a welcome edge, with a bit of grit and humor. A funny gag involving a character heard but never seen offscreen recalls the BBC sitcom This Country. The film rolls along nicely, although some parts feel derivative. Overall, The Fence is a sparky, if somewhat predictable, debut for Stone, with a talented cast and an authentic depiction of a specific time and place.
We at All Buttoned Up really recommed this funny film. It represents the culture we love in a very authentic but entertaining way. So go get some nice cold beers, gather your friends and watch The Fence together. Oi oi oi!
Where to watch The Fence
If you would like to watch this film, please head over to the official website to find a selection of different streaming networks (Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten) where you can watch this film.
Releasedate: 2022 | Director: William Stone | IMDB | Official website
We would like to thank the team of Fence The Film for sending us a copy of this film for reviewing purposes!
