The Timeless Freshness of Richard Ayoade’s Submarine

Culture Film 25 July 2023: Why Richard Ayoade’s Submarine still feels fresh

Introduction

In the world of coming-of-age films, there is always a risk of fading into irrelevance or becoming timeless. Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut, Submarine, falls into the latter category as it returns to Netflix 13 years after its release. This film, adapted from Joe Dunthorne’s book, captures the pain of adolescence in a small town and resonates with audiences even in 2023. Despite the passage of time, Submarine still feels fresh and relevant. In this report, we will explore the reasons behind its enduring appeal and discuss its impact on the genre.

A Stifling Teenage Life

Submarine tells the story of Oliver Tate, a 15-year-old struggling to navigate his first love while dealing with his parents’ crumbling marriage. The film portrays the stifling nature of teenage life in Swansea through Oliver’s intelligent yet dispassionate observations. He offers a philosophical perspective, questioning the existence of scenery and highlighting the suffocating atmosphere surrounding him. Ayoade’s cinematography perfectly captures Oliver’s worldview, passively observing the ocean and junkyards with equal detachment.

A Unique Narrative

What sets Submarine apart from other coming-of-age films is its narrative approach. It doesn’t attempt to depict a universally relatable experience. Instead, the story is filtered through Oliver’s penchant for fantasy. The film opens with an imaginative sequence where Oliver envisions the town’s reaction to his own death. This narrative device allows the audience to see the world through Oliver’s eyes and emphasizes his need for control over his own story.

Escapist Impulses and Visual Cartwheels

Ayoade’s clever use of cinematography enables Oliver’s escapist impulses. When Oliver imagines his life as a spy thriller or a music video, the camera zooms out or captures the giddiness of first love. These visual cartwheels could easily come across as self-satisfied, but within the context of Oliver’s imagination, they work seamlessly. The film‘s soundtrack, featuring music by Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, enhances these moments of fantasy and adds depth to Oliver’s emotional journey.

The Timelessness of Submarine

One of the key reasons why Submarine still feels fresh in 2023 is its ability to avoid becoming dated. While it embraces the twee Tumblr-grunge aesthetic of the 2010s, it doesn’t become subsumed by it. The story remains satisfyingly contained, and the characters’ visual choices, such as Jordana’s signature red coat, don’t feel gimmicky or disingenuous. The film captures the essence of adolescence while staying true to its own unique style.

Ayoade’s Impact as a Filmmaker

Since the release of Submarine, Richard Ayoade has made a name for himself as a filmmaker and author. While his second film was released a decade ago, he has ventured into children’s fiction with the publication of his book, “The Book That No One Wanted to Read.” Netflix’s recent acquisition of Submarine, 13 years after its initial release, speaks to Ayoade’s ability to create a film that resonated with young people then and continues to captivate audiences now, a generation later.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Richard Ayoade’s Submarine is a timeless coming-of-age film that expertly captures the pain of adolescence in a small town. Its enduring freshness in 2023 can be attributed to its unique narrative style, clever cinematography, and refusal to conform to dated trends. For those who appreciate thought-provoking films that explore the complexities of growing up, Submarine is a must-watch. Its relatable characters, visual flair, and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre. As it returns to Netflix, a new generation of viewers can discover the enduring appeal of this remarkable film.