Director Mike Clarke’s film could have easily worked its way in to a feature length adaptation, but on its own it’s a very fine and sweet drama. Director Mike Clarke is very adept at switching genres this time around, providing a very heartfelt and utterly interesting character drama that involves a disjointed family finding solace in life, before it runs out. Star Anthony Quinlan plays Thomas, a successful businessman whose spent his entire childhood with a dad that insisted he do nothing but work. Work was all that counted, and getting a good future is what mattered.
When he goes home for his dad’s funeral to pay his last respects, he re-unites with his mother Judith, who has reserved herself to her small house, prepared to live out the rest of her days inside and in her bed. While visiting family and recounting the old days, he finds out that not only has she pretty much forgotten what living is, but he’s also in dire need of re-claiming what it means to be alive and enjoying the time we have left. Much of “Paper and Plastic” is centered on going in to the self-realization by Thomas, and what obstacles he endures to finally figure out what effect his father had on him.
The somber tone works to the benefit of the drama’s somewhat bittersweet tale, as Thomas spends most of the story tied down to responsibilities, and then comes to grips with his own mother’s mortality. The cast garner an excellent chemistry that prove to add a sense of believability in their roles as a family unit. Carole Bardsley is very good as Thomas’ mother Judith, while Rachel Skeritt is charming as her loyal caretaker who refuses to live her own life, in order to tend to Judith’s needs. “Paper and Plastic” is a fine short drama, one with very good performances from the entire cast, and an admirable moral about appreciating life while we can.