Shot in the scenic North Yorkshire fishing village of Staithes, Christopher Clarke’s drama, “Carbon & Water,” ambitiously contrasts the majestic beauty of the landscape with the profound loneliness of aging. The film centers on Vince, a retired biology teacher portrayed by Malcolm Connolly, a gay man in his 60s recovering from a troubling health episode. Vince’s daily routine, from long beach walks to a careful diet, seems restorative on the surface. Yet, emotionally, he yearns for something more. This yearning takes a new direction when Carl, a district nurse played by Darren Haywood, enters his life. The potential for a special relationship between Vince and Carl forms the emotional core of the film.
Clarke’s film is commendable for its focus on the inner lives of older gay men, a demographic often overlooked in cinema. Vince’s quest for sexual fulfillment and companionship is a narrative rarely explored with such intention. However, the film falls short in its execution. The characters, particularly Vince and Carl, are underwritten, rendering their struggles and interactions as didactic rather than genuinely engaging. Carl’s acceptance of Vince’s offer to rent a spare room intertwines their lives further. Vince’s attempts to express his interest, from dressing in leather gear to rummaging through Carl’s belongings, create discomfort and tension. This tension, however, is predominantly conveyed through lengthy and repetitive dialogues, detracting from the film’s emotional impact.
Visually, the film struggles to convey Vince’s isolation. Despite Clarke’s industry experience, the film’s style appears amateurish. The visuals predominantly consist of shot/reverse shots or phone conversations, failing to cinematically illustrate Vince’s solitude. Erratic editing and inconsistent color grading further distract from the film’s thematic ambitions. These technical flaws undermine the poignant narrative Clarke aims to present, leaving viewers disconnected from Vince’s journey.
Ultimately, “Carbon & Water” is a well-intentioned film that seeks to shed light on the often-ignored experiences of older gay men. However, its impact is diminished by poorly written characters and technical inconsistencies. The film’s release on digital platforms from 12 July offers an opportunity for viewers to engage with its themes, despite its flaws. For those interested in narratives about love and aging within the LGBTQ community, “Carbon & Water” provides a perspective worth considering, even if its execution leaves much to be desired.