By Romey Norton - October 13, 2024
The Whip is a drama-heist film written by András Forgács W. & Christopher Presswell, starring Shian Denovan, Gala Wesson, Tom Knight, Daniel Davids, and Ray Bullock Jnr. The story surrounds a devoted carer/sister who plots a heist to take down the Houses of Parliament in a bid to halt the looming threat from welfare reforms. Putting together an unlikely team, they risk it all, before this bid can go through. It’s a story of making a change, making lives better for people, and making history.
The film opens with the breaking news that the cruel scheme will hurt and harm millions of people, but the Government is promising to put ability back into disability. Obviously, the film has modern, political references, as a similar scheme/idea was floating around social media regarding the UK Government and their schemes to get people back into work and save money under the recent Tory party.
The story is brave, bold and helps showcase the plight millions go through in the UK. Even simple things like getting help from the Government, as you cannot work due to health and disability. Although, it can come across a little Government-bashing and is clearly biased.
The maverick plot of breaking into Parliament is something most people have thought about when mad at the Government, and whilst it seems a little dramatic and unachievable, there is a piece of you that wants Sadie and her gang to succeed. It might also make you think, is it really that easy to plot against the Government?
The Whip has a day-time TV and hard-drama vibe, which I wasn’t expecting. It’s well shot, with some lovely views of London - clearly using some high-tech filming equipment. What the film lacks is the humour side - the sections which attempt humour come across as awkward. So I wouldn’t class this as comedy, but instead a political drama.
The acting can come across as over-the-top, and a little try-hard, but some secondary characters such as the PIP assessor, (Rachel Dobell) and the local MP (Tom Knight) are excellent in their roles - very believable. The film has clearly done its research for the script, as it breaks down policies that viewers might not have known or understood before. It also highlights the struggles families go through emotionally and financially, and the multiple flaws in the UK’s benefit system.
Now the film verges on all talk and no action, as they plot to go into Parliament but it takes a lot to get there. It’s the final ten to twenty minutes where the film picks up its pace and intensity builds. Do they succeed? Well, you’ll have to watch and find out.
With a thought-provoking and emotional story, The Whip is a politically charged drama. If you’re a fan of day-time-drama then this will be right up your street. In various cinema’s around the UK, The Whip will be available on VOD in late October.
The Whip releases on digital platforms late October
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