Burn Burn Burn

A road trip to honour the last wishes of a departed pal proves a life-changing experience for chums Seph and Alex (Laura Carmichael and Chloe Pirrie) in this serio-comic British independent first feature from director Chanya Button. A series of videos recorded before his untimely demise from cancer, allows Dan (Poldark's Jack Farthing) to guide the girls round sundry far-flung sites which had special meaning for him, yet the effect of spending time on the road together allows both to confront unresolved issues in their own romantic lives. There's definitely a worthwhile premise here, but the script lays on its carpe diem message so heavily it soon begins to drag, while Farthing's supporting performance proves more irritating than poignant. Still, the route map isn't altogether predictable, and allows for some effective guest spots from an eccentric tourist guide (Alice Lowe) and a touchingly vulnerable housewife (Alison Steadman). It has its moments then, but overall makes heavy weather of its intended combination of wry laughter and reflective insight.