I loved every second. It's the kind of movie I thirst for, a world away from formulaic characters and plots. "Rudy" is uncontrived, almost innocent in its desire to show a human story rather than tell us how clever the filmmaker is. Its beautifully observed and engaging filled with delicate touches of every day life that reminded me how much we all share, away from the glitz and glare of "media" and overstated pieces.,Very human, very touching. I remember "Dear Frankie", Shona Auerbach's previous gem which mesmerised me in the same fashion. If you also long to watch a movie that invites you and allows you to determine your own emotional responses, walk alongside a family for a while as they navigate change, loss and tough adjustments with very little understanding of what they need except to feel safe, accepted and loved - all without it becoming necessary to get psychotherapy or have profound conversations, please watch "Rudy".
20 Reviews
Romantic, poignant film of loss and love
kateharris-6335530 November 2023
Rudy is a dramatic film, well acted and telling a story of loss and love on their farm. There is suspense and humour in their lives as the family coped without the father's wife and mother of their three children.
Tension throughout with local picturesque cinematography in and around, Rugby, Coventry and Warwickshire, by Graeme Dunn. The dramatic music added atmosphere and few words to portray the sad story, ten years in the making.
I was engrossed, watching the film in the intimate atmosphere created in the Alex, Rugby with seven others in the cosy, dark room of the old brewery. Good luck to local Director Shona Auerbach for a BAFTA nomination.
Tension throughout with local picturesque cinematography in and around, Rugby, Coventry and Warwickshire, by Graeme Dunn. The dramatic music added atmosphere and few words to portray the sad story, ten years in the making.
I was engrossed, watching the film in the intimate atmosphere created in the Alex, Rugby with seven others in the cosy, dark room of the old brewery. Good luck to local Director Shona Auerbach for a BAFTA nomination.
A joyful, complex love story
henrypatrick-6242518 May 2023
Rudy is perfectly balanced - tender and heartwarming, but with just enough edge to keep you believing and wondering what's going to happen next. At its core is a love story, underpinned by compelling and authentic central performances, but there's much more to the film than that. I was struck by its meditation on community and the ways in which people desire it and improvise it against the odds. Beautifully shot, it makes the most of Coventry's extraordinary, layered urban environment. There are hypnotic passages where the music and images take over, and moments of almost unbearable suspense. The ending is perfectly judged, closing on an unexpected note of joyful ambiguity. Like all good films, it follows you out into the world and stays with you.
Best film I've seen this year
stephseeley-6925619 October 2023
A beautiful, absorbing, understated film that follows a teenager dealing with the loss of her mother, whist finding her own sense of self. It is beautifully done, there is no heavy exposition, and no unnecessarily dramatic storylines, rather the story unfolds delicately, through everyday interactions. The screenplay is very assured, and allowed silence and skilful filmography to illuminate the characters where a lesser film would have relied on dialogue alone. Yet it is never less than griping, it makes you care what happened to all the characters, not just the main protagonist, and all the characters are well observed and believable. The performances are all good, but the main character, Rudi, is exceptional and completely anchors the film. All of this is accompanied by a beautiful score and I just feel so frustrated that I saw this is a village hall and that a film which has so much depth,, done with such beauty struggles to get the same exposure as the more formulaic studio films. It certainly outshone any film I have seen at a multiplex this year. Catch it if you can. .
NOT TO BE MISSED. A LITTLE GEM.
bwhite-8685720 October 2023
Great film that was 10 years in the making. Watched Rudy last night in our village club. This really deserves bigger venues and audiences. A fine cast of new young faces and some older ones some who you will recognise. A lot of teenagers will identify with the younger characters and the same with older audiences and older characters. The meeting of two teenagers from different environments a farmers daughter struggling with the death of her mother and a young city lad raised by his grandmother. They have a shared interest in skateboards but some discover a wider depth in life effecting them both. Fine a screening and enjoy.
Great achievement
post-1729427 November 2023
"Rudy" is an inspiring and remarkable achievement. It is a beautiful and suspenseful family drama that shows that it is possible, even in the present dismal circumstances of British independent film, to produce serious, powerful and sincere regional cinema. The cast are marvellous. Esther McCormick's inwardness and pre-raphaelite beauty are set off against the amazing 8-year old Alice Knights as her quirkily hilarious sister. However, all the players are excellent, especially Darren Day as the decent, grief-tormented father. The countryside of Warwickshire and cityscape of Coventry, both almost unknown to cinema, play an important role in the background. I hope that this outstanding effort can serve as an inspiration to other regional film-makers.
An intimate encounter with a bittersweet film in a cozy room
nagykatalinrezeda13 November 2023
Rudy is a touching and tender film with a seamless narrative, exploring the profound impact of a mother's death on a family. The husband and teenage daughter navigate the tragedy, redefining their bonds of love. Despite a familiar theme, the film personalizes it beautifully with realistic strength and excellent character portrayals, including the other children in the family and two older ladies, who complement the narrative in a tragicomic way.
From the daughter's repressed inner and interpersonal conflicts, a love story with another vulnerable teenager develops. The touching and innocent relationship becomes a delicate catalyst for understanding and coping with reality.
Stunning cinematography, thoughtful closures, and effective use of silence enhance the emotional resonance. The movie provides a refreshingly empathetic look into the teenage daughter's inner world, capturing her pain, struggles, and mental adjustment. In summary, it's a poignant exploration of grief and growth within a family.
From the daughter's repressed inner and interpersonal conflicts, a love story with another vulnerable teenager develops. The touching and innocent relationship becomes a delicate catalyst for understanding and coping with reality.
Stunning cinematography, thoughtful closures, and effective use of silence enhance the emotional resonance. The movie provides a refreshingly empathetic look into the teenage daughter's inner world, capturing her pain, struggles, and mental adjustment. In summary, it's a poignant exploration of grief and growth within a family.
Simply beautiful
nmsimpson-9433211 December 2023
This film astonished me, watched in a small village hall with nine others I was absolutely not expecting the quality film that Rudy is. It was beautiful, moving, surrounded by stunning local scenery and set to the most fabulous music.
To have the personal touch of the makers being present to give introductions and questions and answers afterwards was a real bonus.
I could not rate this film highly enough, just a shame that the audience is so limited, would love to see it on a big screen some day soon.
Well done to all involved you captured a moving story beautifully, not sure you could better that !
To have the personal touch of the makers being present to give introductions and questions and answers afterwards was a real bonus.
I could not rate this film highly enough, just a shame that the audience is so limited, would love to see it on a big screen some day soon.
Well done to all involved you captured a moving story beautifully, not sure you could better that !
Fantastic film, totally captivating!
rcutts-9217527 October 2023
Wow, what can I say, loved every minute of it!
Great film that captivated me from start to finish. The whole storyline was very relatable to any family that has suffered loss and how people react in these situations. Truly amazing camera work captured the emotion and feelings of the characters, making it very personal.
Fantastic Score and Music really captured the essence and atmosphere of the moment.
Great acting by all, 10/10. Esther & Kanune who played Rudy and Luke are truly talented individuals, who have a bright future ahead of them. Darren Day wow! Fantastic and relatable character as Thomas.
Great film that captivated me from start to finish. The whole storyline was very relatable to any family that has suffered loss and how people react in these situations. Truly amazing camera work captured the emotion and feelings of the characters, making it very personal.
Fantastic Score and Music really captured the essence and atmosphere of the moment.
Great acting by all, 10/10. Esther & Kanune who played Rudy and Luke are truly talented individuals, who have a bright future ahead of them. Darren Day wow! Fantastic and relatable character as Thomas.
Wonderful Film
harryjmorgan-5575316 October 2023
I really enjoyed Rudy. It was pure escapism, beautifully acted with some cracking lines and great camera work too. It was uplifting and the writers got it spot on - some dark moments but plenty of joy too. The portrayal of family life on the edge was of course a challenge to watch, but there were lighter moments too. The relationship between Rudy and Luke was very well handled, and I liked them both very much. Rudy was a very convincing character, and I felt that in any sequel, she would go on to achieve great things. This sort of film would work really well on BBC or ITV, as it is an ideal length, has a nice plot, and would appeal to all ages.
A Unique Experience
emilyinthegarden11 November 2023
We were treated to a very special and unique experience when the film 'Rudy' was shown at Hollowell Village Hall in October. The VH committee was approached by Rugby based film director Shona Auerbach who, along with her husband, cinematographer, Graeme Dunn, had created the film.
They described the project as a "labour of love" which had taken them 10 years to fulfil.
Shona had collaborated with a colleague to write the film, moved to do so by the experience of losing a loved one, particularly the effect on a young teenager of losing a mother.
Rudy is the fictional teenager in the film, devastated by the death of her mother and left, alone with her grieving father, to care for two much younger siblings.
This may all sound totally miserable, but the film had moments of humour and wonderful portrayals of everyday life.
It showed both Rudy and her father coming to terms with their appalling loss.
It was a treat for the eyes and ears with beautiful photography, ranging from details of domestic activity, to urban skateboarders, to our beautiful countryside. The urban setting used was Coventry and the rural landscape was around Birdingbury and Leamington Hastings.
The music for "Rudy" was written by Japanese composer, Akira Kosemura and was atmospheric and evocative.
The film is being shown in some small cinemas around the country and is currently available on Curzon Home Cinema for £10. The creators of the film are also taking it to local villages in the area. We in Hollowell count ourselves very fortunate to have benefited from this.
It was a real privilege and rare insight to get the opportunity to talk to the makers of this rather special film.
Viv Benjamin.
They described the project as a "labour of love" which had taken them 10 years to fulfil.
Shona had collaborated with a colleague to write the film, moved to do so by the experience of losing a loved one, particularly the effect on a young teenager of losing a mother.
Rudy is the fictional teenager in the film, devastated by the death of her mother and left, alone with her grieving father, to care for two much younger siblings.
This may all sound totally miserable, but the film had moments of humour and wonderful portrayals of everyday life.
It showed both Rudy and her father coming to terms with their appalling loss.
It was a treat for the eyes and ears with beautiful photography, ranging from details of domestic activity, to urban skateboarders, to our beautiful countryside. The urban setting used was Coventry and the rural landscape was around Birdingbury and Leamington Hastings.
The music for "Rudy" was written by Japanese composer, Akira Kosemura and was atmospheric and evocative.
The film is being shown in some small cinemas around the country and is currently available on Curzon Home Cinema for £10. The creators of the film are also taking it to local villages in the area. We in Hollowell count ourselves very fortunate to have benefited from this.
It was a real privilege and rare insight to get the opportunity to talk to the makers of this rather special film.
Viv Benjamin.
An enchanting watch
prwgj20 October 2023
I loved this film. Some amazing camera work and beautiful portrayal of relationships. The plot was multi layered and touching. I particularly enjoyed seeing a film located in the midlands - a rare treat.
At times it becomes a worrying watch - will the family find its way through the losses being experienced? The ending is uplifting and welcome, making you realise how invested you have become in their lives.
The dialogue is minimal, relying on strong acting and clever cinematography and beautiful scenery and landscapes.
Yet another triumph to originate from the Auerbach /Dunn partnership! Well done.
At times it becomes a worrying watch - will the family find its way through the losses being experienced? The ending is uplifting and welcome, making you realise how invested you have become in their lives.
The dialogue is minimal, relying on strong acting and clever cinematography and beautiful scenery and landscapes.
Yet another triumph to originate from the Auerbach /Dunn partnership! Well done.
Poignant and beautiful
wendywakefield-383356 January 2024
This is a film to stay with you. No flashy special effects or daring car races... just a simple, beautifully shot film about a family grieving the loss of a mother, with Rudy the teenager rebelling in her own way. Family life carries on as best it can with two gorgeous, and at times hilarious, younger siblings and a stoical Dad who is just doing his best. The addition of an older glamorous lodger, former ballerina Dorothea, adds to the mix. There are moments of dread, sadness and laughter. All backed with wonderful musical choices including an original piano score. It was a privilege to see this at our local Methodist Church Film Club in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire with a very good turn-out of around 60 people.
Lovely surprise local film
stevegedgar21 October 2023
Watched this at our local club on 19th October 2023. Didnt know what to expect other than it was a local story made by local people and featured filming in our village and surrounding area incluing Coventry city centre which we know well. Turned out it was much more of a film than just the local scenery. The plot was something that any parent could relate to especially anyone (most of us) that has suffered family loss. The acting was superb by all and we particularly liked Tissy and the Old lady lodger. I have to mention the soundtrack which was spot on. Reminded me of something Ken Loach or possibly Danny Boyle might have made but it was very much Shonas film, great film, well done.
Rudy- A beautiful depiction of human frailty and connection. Not to be missed!
kathemotm16 November 2023
Rudy is a film that does not disappoint. In it you will find the beautiful story of human life and fragility and also the hurts and connections found within it. Auerbach's stories are not "gritty" reality, nor saccharine tinged but instead quietly beautiful with characters honed like carefully polished stones. Snippets of character's previous lives are given by almost blink and you miss them sentences and small evocative gestures such a childhood drawing found in an unsuspected place or a lost parent's jacket blowing on the breeze carry us through and draw us ever closer in to the story and the feelings of its main protagonists. It reminds us of the simplicities of life away from the distractions of social media and the zoom overkill of the Covid era. It is a beautiful film that is worth every moment of its 10 years of making, taking off from where the sublime Dear Frankie left us. Not to be missed.
The Best of Independent British Film-making
mjfjhag26 March 2024
Rudy is a beautifully told story about a young teenage girl coming to terms with loss and change in her life. It's gentle and rhythmic, reflecting the pace of everyday life and its ebbs and flows. There is a quiet flowing quality that is delicately counterbalanced by a wonderfully eclectic score.
I was blown away by the cinematography throughout but do especially watch out for the undulating skateboard scenes...no explosive special effects just pure artistry. Shona Auerbach's direction drew out some nicely modulated performances from her very gifted and unknown actors. This film is a real gem and hopefully will get the exposure and audience it deserves!
I was blown away by the cinematography throughout but do especially watch out for the undulating skateboard scenes...no explosive special effects just pure artistry. Shona Auerbach's direction drew out some nicely modulated performances from her very gifted and unknown actors. This film is a real gem and hopefully will get the exposure and audience it deserves!
Moving and relatable
katenstrong26 September 2023
What a wonderful, atmospheric, relatable film. Such realism in even the tiniest details (at last, a film where the actors aren't holding empty cups and waving their arms around!) made this spellbinding. A beautiful film visually and with a great soundtrack too. Really strong performances of 'Rudy' and 'Tiz' especially. The plot moves thoughtfully and subtly along without the need for huge amounts of dialogue, making watching it a kind of introspective experience. The close-up shots and expressiveness of 'Rudy's' face invite you to understand her character and motivations, around which the film revolves. I loved the human touches hidden alongside the main plot (I shan't say what for fear of spoiling viewing) and the humour too - the 'lifts' after moments of high emotion were appreciated.
Much Appreciated Film
cwwilliams-8452731 January 2024
Last Thursday I saw the film Rudy which is a British film made some years ago but released recently. The central character of the film is Rudy, a girl approaching school leaving age and all that that entails. It is a coming-of-age movie set in and around Coventry, England. But this film is not any coming-of-age movie; it has its own special character and qualities and is especially rewarding for those who identify with Coventry and the surrounding area. The film pivots around a tragic event from the recent past: the untimely death of Rudy's mother, which affects the relationship between Rudy and her dad in particular. The film is first rate in many aspects: story line, cast, acting, cinematography, music etc. But perhaps, most importantly, without being dour and gritty, it is the realism that shines through. There are comic moments and extremely colourful characters and in many ways the film is one of a kind. I would have rated this film a 10 if the running time had been slightly less.
A beautiful and gentle film
stellafilms15 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I saw Rudy on Wednesday evening in Bloomsbury. It is a beautifully directed film with exquisite photography. The performances of the 3 children were particularly outstanding. The dialogue was so natural and enchanting at times. Rudy had an understated stillness about her which emphasised her desperation and sense of loss. It was also an exploration of the role of a young career forced by tragedy to care for her younger siblings and how that love overcame her longing to be free. A journey of self discovery set against a backdrop of heartbreak and conflicting needs. Also a story of how men deal with loss and rebuilding a life after such an event.
UK Independent film making at its best
gvrwvkc7 January 2024
I was lucky to see this exquisite movie at a local film club in Great Ayton, followed by a Q&A with the Director. What a lovely story, beautiful told and anchored by superb performances from the children. Darren Day may not be everyone's first choice for a grieving Warwickshire farmer but he pulls it off! A special word for the music - the choice of songs and the score perfectly complement the story. Coventry has never looked so beautiful, either.
I truly hope this labour of love ( it took 10 years to be made and released) finds a bigger audience. I saw this on the same day as the much bigger Saltburn. This is a far superior movie and deserves an opportunity to find an audience.
I truly hope this labour of love ( it took 10 years to be made and released) finds a bigger audience. I saw this on the same day as the much bigger Saltburn. This is a far superior movie and deserves an opportunity to find an audience.
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