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Draft:One By One (2014)

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One by One
Directed byDiane Jessie Miller
Written byDiane Jessie Miller
Produced byRik Mayall, Jonnie Hurn
StarringJonnie Hurn, Rik Mayall, Heather Wilson
CinematographyMarina Doroshenco
Edited byIan Davies
Music byEthem Cem
Production
company
Something in the Attic Productions
Distributed by108 Media
Release date
  • 1 September 2014 (2014-09-01)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

One by One is a 2014 British thriller-drama film directed by Diane Jessie Miller and co-produced by the late Rik Mayall in one of his final film contributions. The movie revolves around themes of corporate greed, societal control, and humanity's existential struggles. It gained recognition for its philosophical underpinnings and stark message about modern society.

Plot

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The story follows a group of disenchanted young adults attending an intimate gathering where a mysterious host presents them with a powerful manifesto about the state of the world. Through unsettling conversations, multimedia presentations, and deeply personal revelations, the guests are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their roles in society, humanity's destructive path, and potential solutions. As tensions rise and ideological lines are drawn, the gathering descends into chaos, with dire consequences.

Cast

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Production

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The film was written and directed by Diane Jessie Miller, making her feature debut. *One by One* was shot on a modest budget in England and featured a mix of established and emerging talent. The production is particularly notable for the involvement of Rik Mayall, who provided both acting talent and production support shortly before his passing in June 2014.

The director stated in interviews that the film was inspired by her concerns about the sustainability of human civilisation and her desire to spark a conversation about humanity's future. The minimalist production design and focus on dialogue reflect these thematic priorities.

Release

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The film premiered at independent film festivals in 2014 before receiving limited theatrical releases in select British cinemas. It was later made available on digital platforms and DVD through 108 Media.

Reception

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Critical reception to the film was mixed. Some praised its bold themes and Rik Mayall's performance as Russell, which critics hailed as both commanding and poignant. However, others criticised the film for being overly didactic and lacking narrative cohesion.

Critical Response

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  • The Guardian: "A compelling exploration of modern anxieties, anchored by Rik Mayall's electrifying performance."[1]
  • Empire: "While its execution falters, *One by One* dares to provoke conversation, making it a unique addition to British indie cinema."[2]

Legacy

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The film has garnered a small but dedicated cult following, particularly among fans of Rik Mayall, who see it as an integral part of his eclectic filmography. Its philosophical undertones continue to resonate with viewers concerned about ecological and societal crises.

References

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  1. ^ "Film Review: One by One". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  2. ^ "One by One Review". Empire. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
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