Jodie Comer Shines in The End We Start From, a Poignant Dystopian Debut

A Momentous Exploration

In Mahalia Belo’s debut feature, “The End We Start From,” viewers are presented with a momentous narrative where the world crumbles as a mother strives to raise it anew.

This dystopian portrait navigates disaster and hope as intimate bedfellows, offering a unique and emotionally charged perspective.

Jodie Comer’s Captivating Portrayal

At the heart of the film, Jodie Comer delivers a captivating performance as an unnamed woman on the brink of motherhood.

Her waters break just as catastrophic storms flood London, setting the stage for her journey to find a new life with her family.

Comer’s portrayal adds a layer of vulnerability and empathy, portraying motherhood’s complexities in the face of tragedy.

A Delicate and Unpretentious Approach

“The End We Start From” may traverse a familiar path of post-apocalyptic narratives, but there’s a delicate and unpretentious quality to Comer’s interpretation.

The film highlights that there is no handbook for motherhood, especially for women thrust into sudden tragedy.

The burden of protecting a new life is immense, and Comer’s performance beautifully conveys this challenge.

Supporting Cast and Emotional Nuances

The film’s supporting cast, including Katherine Waterston, contributes to the emotional depth of the story.

Waterston’s warm portrayal of a fellow new mother adds a sense of hope against all odds.

The film explores more than just motherhood at the end of the world; it delves into the nuances of womanhood at any stage of life.

Men in the Story

However, the male characters in the film tend to weigh the narrative down. Joel Fry’s portrayal of new parenthood appears less resilient, while Mark Strong’s gruff anger and grief come across as one-dimensional compared to the nuanced emotion in Comer’s scenes.

A Resilient Journey

“The End We Start From” isn’t solely about motherhood in a post-apocalyptic world. It masterfully portrays the wild and transformative nature of this new stage in life, intricately connected to one’s past and future.

The film demonstrates that neither of the seismic changes in the story defines or breaks its characters. The journey may get tougher, but the human spirit persists. Eventually, the rain will cease, and hope will prevail.

Screening and Release

“The End We Start From” will be screened at the BFI London Film Festival on October 13 and October 14. UK audiences can look forward to its release on January 24, 2024.