SXSW Movie Review: Lamb

By Brad Henderson

I’m a sucker for awkward, low-key relationship dramas. Lamb is one of those films that is easy to fall in love with. It is beautiful, heart-breaking, and just brutally uncomfortable at times.

As Lamb starts we meet David, a 40-something single man that has been through a lot and is dealing with his emotions after the recent death of his father. David doesn’t know what he wants in life, having somewhat of a midlife crisis. While having a smoke one day he meets a 11 year-old girl named Tommie who asks him for a smoke because her friends dare her to do so. David takes it upon himself to teach this little one some life lessons and soon their relationship blossoms into a weird and loving relationship. I say “weird” because it’s an older man with a little girl who is no relation to him but it’s not that type of film at all.

Our character David is a beautiful one along with Tommie, who is beautiful on the outside and troubled and heartbroken on the inside, and both of them know it. A young heart and an older, wise heart blend together in what I think is one of the loveliest relationships I’ve ever seen in a film.

David knows what he is doing is wrong by law, but not by heart. He needs Tommie and she desperately needs him in order for her to survive. David sees this. He gives her freedom to do what she wants but he keeps sharp watch over her as well. Their first meeting is awkward although eventually we become more comfortable with the odd couple. We still know what consequences David can face if their relationship gets out.

As soon as Lamb starts we love every character and every interaction between characters because the film is full of heart. We are all on board for this emotionally charged rollercoaster ride that we don’t want to end. Still, we are afraid that soon the ride will be over or that the track will just disappear. Even though Lamb isn’t a thriller or hardcore drama, it still puts you right on the edge of your seat.

There aren’t too many films that can depict a relationship like this without making it seem like the older gentleman is a pedophile or have the audience wonder if that’s what might happen. Instead, the awkwardness comes from the fear of what might happen to this weird daddy/daughter relationship. Mainly because if it ends without our characters having any closure, they might fail and not accelerate to what they need to become and achieve in their lives.

This is a movie for anyone of any age to check out. There is something here for everyone whether you have a family or not. Lamb is about the human nature of relationships and what we need. It is truly a beautiful film that hits all the marks of what makes us smile and cry, but still leaves us wanting and needing more as an audience. Lamb is one of the more important films of this year because it will fill a hole in your heart that you may not have known existed.