Scott and Sid

Scott and Sid tells the true story of two misfits who meet at school, where they form a tight bond and deal with the vicissitudes of adolescence together. It also documents their entrepreneurial exploits and their rise to success as true hustlers – with the dream of making films. Executed effectively, the somewhat clichéd tropes of a climactic first scene fading into a “four years ago” – accompanied by a knowing and ironic narrator – actually add charm and draw the viewer in immediately. This continues with contemporary versions of the characters recounting the tale to someone in the present (in this case a taxi driver), whilst the film depicts what is being told; thus, present events are imbued with more meaning, whilst a certain light is cast on the past. This alternation is one of the film’s main strengths, lending it an endearing character; however maladjusted, unhappy and lonely their young selves are, today’s Scott and Sid are victorious and happy and look back at the tribulations of their teenage years with an assured lightness. Consequently, the viewer knows that their suffering is not in vain and it is an ultimately uplifting experience.

But despite this cheering effect, the difficulties themselves are portrayed with a powerful emotional gravity that remains convincing. This is achieved primarily through the gradual “letting in” of the audience on what our protagonists each have to cope with on their own – as well as together –, which strikes a neat balance. Furthermore, just as an understanding of their tortured home lives is put together, the audience gradually sees how the boys’ strong friendship flourishes, and is cemented as a result. It is portrayed as a perfect coming together of characters: Sid, the orderly and introverted long-sufferer, and Scott, the rebellious, angsty and ambitious outcast.

As the companions go from one project to another, Scott’s vision of making movies – expressed early on – is supposed to be the ultimate end of what they refer to as “dream-chasing”. This is the only point of weakness, as his love of film doesn’t really come across, and it seems like an arbitrary outlet for a shapeless and generalised motivation to succeed. In any case, the drive to spread their wings and prove they are made of something special – even just to themselves – is conveyed wonderfully and is certainly sufficient on its own, making Scott and Sid a gripping success story that is well worth watching.

Ed Edwards

Scott and Sid is released nationwide on 9^th March 2018.

Watch the trailer for Scott and Sid here: