Film: Now Is Good (TBC)

Director: Ol Parker

Get your hankies ready, chaps and gals, as not only is this so packed full of bright young things it could make T4’s booker faint in excitement, they’re also very good and incredibly touching in this bleak but ultimately uplifting tale.

Latest 7 got a chance to watch a preview of the film this summer and was impressed by the acting chops on Dakota Fanning as the spikey teenager Tessa, who decides when she is told that her cancer is now terminal that she will go for quality of life over quantity, and stops her chemotherapy to embark on her own teenage ‘to do’ list. Including things like ‘shoplifting’ and ‘get in a fight’, it’s a list of commonplace teenage events she has compressed to fit into her remaining days.

Another item, of course, involves romance, which after a false start looks likely to take the shape of new neighbour Adam, played by Jeremy Irvine – cast before his phenomenal success centre stage in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. Completing the core cast are Paddy Considine and Olivia Williams as Tessa’s parents, coping and not coping in their own ways with Tessa’s decision and her self-imposed imminent departure. By the way, Considine utterly rocks as the heart-broken and bereft parent, with each of Tessa’s offhand barbs cutting him to the quick.

The final cast member is Brighton – which is where the majority of the film is set. Used to great effect, it’s clear that the character of the city is intrinsic to the film. Makes you glad to be so close to this great location, and although you may emerge red-eyed, the performances and writing are so good you won’t mind having to don your shades to exit with dignity.

Released Wednesday 19 September. Showing at Odeon and Cineworld