Affinity

Rating NR Formats DVD Genre drama Starring Anna Madeley, Zoe Tapper, Anne Reid, Domini Blythe Directed by Tim Flywell Publisher MTV

Infinite Attention Needed to Watch Affinity

Director Tim Flywell depicts an intriguing story about death, resurrection, and conflict through his film Affinity.  Set in the Victorian era, the film centers around an upper class British woman Margaret, played by Anna Madeley, who is searching for ways to emotionally recover from her father’s death.  She begins to schedule time visiting prisoners at Milbank’s Women’s Prison.  Margaret begins working with the inmates in the prison on a day to day basis, teaching them correct Victorian manners.  While working with the inmates, Margaret crosses paths with one particular inmate who has the power to talk to the dead.  As Margaret visits this inmate more frequently, the inmate shares the story of how her journey led to prison after a spiritual ceremony she was attending went wrong, leaving one person dead.  This admission results in an investigation led by Margaret to uncover exactly what happened that night and if this particular inmate should remain in prison.

To be quite honest, this film did not keep my interest one bit.  It definitely has potential in the overall plot line; however, the construction of the story is so lackluster and dreary that it makes one dose off every once in awhile.  Although this film is a feature story, some parts are filmed as though it is a documentary, leaving the viewers confused as to the sequence of events. 

Throughout the film, because of the talents of the spirited inmate, there are flashes of the past in her story portrayed on camera which are not very clear as to when they actually happened and what is in the present versus what is in the past.  These constant switches between regular feature film style and documentary film style, mixed with flashbacks incorporated in the story, makes the film incredibly laborious to watch and follow.  As a result of these inadequate producing decisions, the film is not very enjoyable because one is always searching for what is exactly going on within the story and at times even needs to rewind and try to follow the film one more time.

Despite the flow troubles of the film, the costumes and settings displayed throughout the film are magnificent.  The portrayals of the clothes from the Victorian era are splendid and very detailed.

When observing these costumes and settings, I felt as though I was in another world and was very connected to the characters in the film by how precise their costumes and the atmosphere they lived in were created.

Overall, I give this film one star because of the costume aspect.  The film is incredibly boring and difficult to watch and follow.  The plot lacks fluidness and depth which makes the viewers constantly wonder what the film is actually about or what just happened. The viewer needs to make sure he or she is awake and focused while watching this film.  It may require a refill or two of your cup of coffee and even then, do not be surprised if you are regularly confused as to the sequence of events.