The Flood

Having volunteered at Calais's notorious Jungle, director Anthony Woodley, writer Helen Kingston and producer Luke Healy have a greater understanding than most of the mechanics of the migrant crisis. But, in striving to give a balanced account of the asylum application process, they resort to melodramatic gambits that undermine the narrative's viability. Using flashbacks to outline the ordeal that former Eritrean soldier Haile (Ivanno Jeremiah) has endured since disobeying a murderous order, Woodley draws comparisons with the problems case officer Wendy (Lena Headey) is experiencing while fighting for access to her daughter. With boss Philip (Iain Glen) applying added pressure in his bid to maintain quotas, Wendy starts putting vodka in her water bottle. However, the contrast between her flawed vulnerability and Haile's selfless nobility feels as forced as the concluding contrivance involving fellow fugitive, Reema (Mandip Gill). The performances are admirable, as are Jon Muschamp's photography and Mike Pike's editing. But, while this represents a marked improvement on Woodley's debut, Outpost 11 (2013), it proves that insight and good intentions aren't always enough.