Rooted Out | tense drama takes on the tangle of racism

Hullo. My name is Lee

Rooted Out Chapter One: “Shade” is a tense drama directed by Freddie Hutton-Mills. The film discusses racism in modern Britain, using the 2024 Southport Riots as a backdrop for this complex narrative. The plot is centred on two sets of neighbours, Claire (played by Olivia Grant) and Peter (played by Jonas Armstrong), who are white, and Ama (Nadine Mills) and Kojo (CJ Beckford), who are black.

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The story unfolds over a single morning, as the couples watch the riots on the news, discussing and trying to understand the events. The conversations around the riots expand into explorations of the characters and their lives. Peter and Claire argue about the reasons for the violence, with Peter offering socio-economic explanations, whilst Claire is increasingly ready to blame immigration and minority groups. Next door, Kojo watches the news in quiet horror while Ama tries to ignore what is happening, until Kojo presses her and she bluntly states that racists are everywhere.

Destructive behaviour

These on-going discussions between the couples are set against a minor dispute that develops around a tall tree growing in Kojo and Ama’s garden. Claire believes that the shade from the tree is killing her flowers. The film explores how deep-seated prejudices can manifest destructive behaviour, both on an interpersonal and wider societal level.

Simmering

The action takes place almost entirely within the two neighbouring houses and their gardens, only occasionally cutting away to news footage of the riots. The confinement of the domestic setting gives the film an intensely claustrophobic feel and creates a sense of simmering tension.

Compelling

Hullo. My name is Lee

Hullo...

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The actors’ performances are compellingly realistic. Claire, Peter, Ama and Kojo could easily be people you know, and the story of an increasingly bitter neighbourly dispute is something many can relate to. The audience can quickly connect with the characters and this allows the wider themes to resonate.

This film is not about giving its audience easy answers to complicated issues, but instead seems designed to spark thought and discussion. You’ll leave the cinema reflecting upon the events and themes of Rooted Out, as well as wondering how the situation will develop in chapter two.

Rooted Out will be at Plymouth Arts Cinema in October.