Midlands Review of Tawn-19
midlandsmovies • December 22, 2020
Midlands Review of Tawn-19
Directed by Tim Bryn Smith
2020
Actor's Workshop Nottingham
From The Actors Workshop Nottingham comes the timely and apt production of TAWN-19, a comedy of errors surrounding the UK’s response to a global pandemic and the subsequent conspiracy surrounding the vaccine.
TAWN’s main narrative focuses on an internet conspiracy theorist group called Infoclash, whose main goal is to sabotage the UK governments attempts to vaccinate the population as they believe the hidden agenda is to use the vaccine as a microchip, in a bid to control the state.
The sinister X-Files-esque credits sequence is soon replaced with heavy doses of satirical comedy, a formula the film gladly keeps throughout its runtime.
Soon after we are introduced to the inebriated Everett (Matthew Thomason) an Epidemiologist working on the UK’s vaccine and his Government handler Adeline (Becki Lloyd) who tries to educate Everett on what not to say before he is interviewed live on-air.
Enjoyably, writer Sara Bodinar seems to be having a blast as she sends up the current topics such as Covid-19, the 5G conspiracy theories and Boris’s many inconspicuous children.
Bodinar does not just rely on the pandemic to deliver clever insights into the modern human experience however, as the dialogue remains funny and sharp with parodies regarding dating apps and professional influencers scattered throughout.
Another major player within the film is the character Pandora (Claire Waterall) a dedicated member of Infoclash, she believes the vaccine is not in the country’s best interests and tries to recruit as many followers as possible. Her enthusiasm reaches the point where she organises the abduction of Gabe Carboni (Joe Kirton) who is selling his version of a vaccine to the highest bidder.
Pandora is the films anchor and is key to bringing most of the segments together, this is accomplished with a spirited performance from actress Claire Waterall.
The technical achievements of TAWN-19 are also noticeable, the post-production graphics would not look out of place in some prime-time television segments, whilst the editing by director & producer is authentic. The film never feels grandiose, keeping in line with the restrictions Tim Bryn Smith upholds an atmosphere that feels genuine, I think the nostalgia will resonate heavily with some of the audience.
Personally, I think the film suffers from the sheer volume of talent involved, I found myself hoping earlier characters and their chemistry would reappear like Everett and Adeline. Shortly after characters and segments are established, they disappear with most not being seen again which was disappointing.
The Actors Workshop Nottingham is an acting training facility dedicated to supporting performers of all experience levels to develop their craft. Filmed during the nation’s first lockdown, TAWN-19 has a reported 94 actors having time on screen, which is impressive in normal circumstances but is even more so when keeping with the current social distancing guidelines.
Ultimately though TAWN-19 is an impressive achievement, and a clear example of how inventive filmmakers can be when circumstances prevent them from creating.
Guy Russell
Twitter @ Budguyer
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Pete Key, Jai Blanks and Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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