Access All Areas

Access All Areas goes beyond the coming-of-age story or the teenage experience itself. At a Gala screening of the film at Proud Camden, following one excellent testimonial short centred on the lives of young people with cancer and about how they had benefited from this wonderful initiative promoted by Teenage Cancer Trust, the viewer may have thought that what they were about to watch was anything but a feature that celebrates life. Fortunately enough, that was just what was presented to the audience.

This is not only a lighthearted, easy-to-watch movie about real teenagers dealing with the struggles that arise around family, friends and love interests. The film also delivers in the cinematography department, paying special attention to colour palettes with a beautiful and youth-inspiring result.

Access All Areas tells the story of a bunch of friends in a small town. Heath (Edward Bluemel) plays the good guy, full of talent but too afraid to show his art to the world. Everything gets complicated when Mia, his boss’ daughter and high school sweetheart, steals his motorbike to go to a music festival. Heath and his friend Leon (played by the very funny Jordan Stephens) end up chasing her, and here is where the party starts.

Lots of techno music and some very convenient secondary characters make the trip feel like an easy self-discovery journey, where we’re not only able to enjoy the festival environment but also some hilarious performances from Nigel Lindsay and Jo Hartley, playing some unconventional although slightly stereotyped parents who are trying to find their children in the middle of the musical party.

This makes for a pleasantly entertaining movie that speaks about music and love, among other serious topics of concern such as everybody’s self expression and self-limiting beliefs. A fun ride, worth the watch, particularly with the family.

Maria Barrios

Access all areas is released nationwide on 20^th October 2017.

Watch the trailer for Access all areas here: