In his own mind, 15 year old Welsh schoolboy Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) is a Poet; dashing, debonair, and devastatingly appealing to the opposite sex.  In reality, of course, he’s something of an misfit; bullied at school, and all but invisible to his two decidedly preoccupied parents.  His father, an eccentric marine biologist (Noah Taylor) is more concerned with his own problems than the fact his wife, Oliver’s neurotic mother Jill (Sally Hawkins) is evidently considering a liaison with her ex-flame, New Age guru and part-time ‘ninja’ Graham (Paddy Considine, Hot Fuzz).  Appalled at this turn of events, Oliver turns his attentions to saving his parents troubled union and, miracle of miracles, even finds a love of his own in the form of acerbic, mischievous schoolmate Jordana (Yasmin Paige). 

A quirky, polychrome coming-of-age tale of the highest order, Submarine was co-produced by Ben Stiller and marks the directorial debut of Richard Ayoade, heretofore best known for his on-screen roles in such British sitcoms as The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd.  Featuring snappy dialogue, a slew of impeccable performances from its ensemble cast and a stylish sensibility that stops just short of the comic book aesthetic currently favoured by so many modern directors, the film is a heartfelt and ultimately uplifting exploration of adolescence, and a supremely confident opening gambit from Ayoade.  Further bolstering proceedings are a starkly beautiful set of original songs courtesy of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, as well as a host of excellent bonus features including Cast and Crew Interviews, a Message from Ben Stiller, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Featurettes and an Audio Commentary with Ayoade, cinematographer Erik Wilson and author Joe Dunthorne, who wrote the book on which the film is based - it’s worthy treatment for one of the best British comedies of recent memory.