Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
A young wannabe musician discovers he has bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank.
Frank is a genuinely singular film — a darkly comic, deeply empathetic portrait of artistic obsession and mental illness anchored by Michael Fassbender's extraordinary performance behind a papier-mâché head. The film earns its high Novelty through a completely distinctive voice and premise rooted in the real-life persona of Chris Sievey, blending whimsy with melancholy in a way that feels entirely its own. The acting across the board is strong, with Domhnall Gleeson's slow-burn arc from eager opportunist to genuine admirer working well. The plot is episodic and sometimes meanders in its middle section, and the ending, while emotionally affecting, splits opinion — it's earnest but slightly too tidy given the film's otherwise elusive tone. Cinematography is functional and handheld in a naturalistic style that suits the indie aesthetic without being particularly distinguished.