Two for Joy

Released in 2018, 'Two for Joy' is a poignant and often uncomfortable drama directed by Tom Beard. The film revolves around the strained relationships within a family of three, each struggling to cope with their own personal demons. The story centers around Joy (Bertie Gilbert), a young girl grappling with the breakdown of her parents' marriage. Her father, John (played by Kit Connor), is a struggling musician, attempting to revive his flagging career by performing at local gigs, while her mother, Jo (Bertie's real-life mother Billie Piper), is increasingly overwhelmed, working late hours as a nurse to make ends meet. The family's living situation is cramped, with the father and daughter having to share a tiny flat in a neglected area of London. The narrative of 'Two for Joy' takes an unpredictable turn when John suggests the family embark on a road trip to a seaside town in Wales. Initially, this idea seems like a last-ditch attempt to salvage something from their crumbling family dynamics, but it becomes apparent that this journey is motivated by John's hope to revive his music career and rediscover the passion that has faded away. As they arrive in the seaside town, they are met with stunning natural beauty and tranquility, serving as a stark contrast to their chaotic lives in London. Initially hesitant, the family gradually begins to open up to the charms of their new surroundings. However, tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface, as secrets about the family's troubled past and present begin to surface. Throughout the film, Tom Beard masterfully exposes the deep-seated emotional scars that have been inflicted upon each family member, as well as their strained connections with one another. One of the pivotal scenes is a heated argument at a seedy pub, which reveals just how far the father is willing to go to salvage his music career, and the hurt and frustration this causes his wife. The father-daughter dynamic between John and Joy is central to the narrative of 'Two for Joy.' John attempts to connect with his daughter through music, sharing stories about the band members he met during his travels, trying to rekindle their lost relationship and create meaningful memories for Joy. As John and Joy spend more time in the seaside town, his passion for music rekindled, he is determined to perform a gig at the local pub to raise funds for his family and reinvigorate his career. This ambitious goal brings him closer to the young singer-songwriter, a talented and confident musician (played by Harriet Cains), who seems to share his musical vision, as well as an undeniable romantic connection. However, his growing closeness with the local musician creates tension with his daughter and wife back at home, who are not made aware of John's developing relationship. Unbeknownst to them, he shares a moment of genuine intimacy with the singer at the seaside pub, raising questions about their intentions and where this newfound passion will take them. Meanwhile, the mother's character, though portrayed with great sensitivity by Billie Piper, feels somewhat underwritten. It's often implied that she has lost herself in the struggle of providing for her family, and though she appears to be emotionally worn down, Jo remains enigmatic, even to the extent of her husband's and daughter's own emotional turmoil. Throughout the film, Tom Beard skillfully interweaves poignant character studies and narrative threads with a keen observational eye for small-town Wales, imbuing the film with an authentic sense of place. As the 'Two for Joy' family is drawn deeper into their lives in the seaside town, a heart-wrenching climax unfolds, where John, Jo, and Joy are finally forced to confront the painful reality of their fractured relationships. With a profound understanding of human fallibility and emotional fragility, the film concludes by highlighting the difficulties of healing and reparation.