Papadopoulos & Sons

A self-made millionaire is knocked sideways by the global financial crisis in this wry comedy drama, the feature debut of writer/director Marcus Markou. The familiar riches-to-rags tale is set apart by Markou's analysis of the immigrant mindset and Stephen Dillane's picture of quiet desperation as Harry Papadopoulos. Ejected from his mansion, Harry is forced to relaunch the fish-and-chip shop he co-owns with estranged brother Spiros (Georges Corraface), who is nostalgic for the days before Harry set out to "better himself". Spiros's theatricality is a source of great amusement, as are Harry's attempts to relate to his kids (Georgia Groome, Frank Dillane and Thomas Underhill). But unlike My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Markou doesn't rely on brash stereotypes. Instead he uses subtle, observational humour and witty dialogue. A late pitch at pathos isn't quite so convincing, but otherwise this is a fresh, funny and poignant snapshot of ethnic life in London.