Considering the success of his debut feature, Human Traffic, its a surprise that writer/director Justin Kerrigan never became more of a presence in the British film industry. His breakthrough became an instant cult classic, but all too quickly Kerrigan appeared to drop off the radar (spending most of his time trying to get I Know You Know made). Only now, more than a decade since his first film, does his long awaited follow-up find its way to DVD.
I Know You Know, a semi-autobiographical tale drawn from Kerrigans own experiences, tells the story of Charlie (Carlyle); an exuberant but unpredictable single father whose double life fascinates his doting son Jamie (Fuller). Charlie regales his enthralled son with tales of his secret life as a special agent, the vast payouts awaiting them and promises of a new life in America.
But all is not as it seems with Charlie. The details of his stories are hazy, his acquaintances approach him with caution and even his beloved Jamie begins to doubt his fathers elaborate tales as flights of fancy. As events unfold, Charlie becomes increasingly unstable and his young son is forced to make some difficult decisions for the sake of his fathers wellbeing.
Anybody expecting Kerrigans second offering to be anything like Human Traffic will be surprised, but unlikely disappointed, to find I Know You Know is a distinctly different piece of work. Forgoing the colourful vibrancy of his last film, Kerrigan instead opts for an incredibly intimate insight into the father and son relationship that rests at the core of this film. Carlyle and newcomer Arron Fuller are utterly convincing as father and son, and their onscreen chemistry is a joy to witness, even when relations between the pair sour. The two roles are treated with balance, so that both feel like equal parties in an unconventional, but fascinating partnership.
The cast are unanimously superb in their roles, with Carlyle on top form as usual; radiating paternal warmth one moment, before chilling with delusional rants the next. The supporting players are also well handled, with Karl Johnson and Valerie Lilley perfectly poised as Ernie and Lil, surrogate grandparents to Jamie and cautious tamers of Charlies unpredictable temperament.
Twists later along in the tale might draw groans from some, but aside from a couple of convenient plot devices, things remain solid and entertaining throughout. More importantly; for a story so close to Kerrigans heart, the film never ties itself up in sentimentality or bias, making for an impressive second outing that will hopefully ensure Kerrigan enjoys a more prolific career in the future.
Overall Verdict: An enthralling tale that packs surprises of all shades; I Know You Know boasts terrific performances all round and cements Justin Kerrigan as a real British talent.
Special Features:
Directors Video Diaries
Trailer
Reviewer: David Steele