Movie Review: ‘Wait For Me’

Review by Hunter Miele

In the picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire unfolds a poignant melodrama centered around Alison (Karen Hassan), an Irish sex worker brought into the profession by her own father (Sean McGinley). The film opens with a captivating discussion between Alison and her father from his grimey trailer. He tells Alison about a plan to install cameras in the rooms of the brothel where she’s employed so that he and the others that run the brothel can blackmail their wealthy clients. He gives Alison a line of coke before she leaves.

We’re then introduced to Sam (Aaron Cobham), a shy tech wiz and photography hobbyist. Sam, indebted to the brothel’s ruthless and intense owner Max (Neil Bell), is tasked with installing the cameras for their secret operation. While reluctantly installing cameras in one of the rooms before a client arrives, Sam meets Alison. The two of them have a moment alone in the room and Alison, intoxicated, attempts to get Sam to talk, but he shies away. Their relationship feels forced from the get-go, only bound together by the sadness and despair that they have in common. Sam’s dark history unfolds throughout the film via awkwardly placed, confusing flashback scenes. In a later scene, Sam photographs Alison while they’re taking a walk together. He shows her the value of photography and describes the ability to capture aspects of ourselves in a photo that are invisible to the naked eye. This is the only moment that adds significant depth to their relationship.

In an effort to escape their cruel, tragic lives, Sam and Alison run away to a distant part of the country and visit Karen, Alison’s sister, while Max’s fury rages on. Karen is raising Alison’s daughter as her own, and Alison attempts to regain some semblance of peace and normalcy to a life that has known only suffering and despair.

Karen Hassan absolutely shines in “Wait For Me”. Her performance is honest and real. Thankfully, her skill compensates for the rest of the cast, who appear under-directed (although their clumsy performances are likely exaggerated when compared to Hassan). Not only does the supporting cast not live up to the film’s stunning protagonist, but the technical aspects of the film are low-caliber. Many scenes appear to be shrouded in darkness, with actor’s faces being underlit. This could be an intentional effort to create a downcast ambience, but it could have been executed with much more finesse.

“Wait For Me”’s story isn’t particularly unique and will likely be lost among its genre. And while its somber mood and glimpse into a life of despair feels very real, this is largely thanks to Hassan and not the script, direction or cinematography. Yet, while some aspects may falter, the film’s sincerity in portraying the human condition amidst the darkest of circumstances remains undeniable.