Hello Sunshine

Kate is in a state. Her husband has run off with a much younger woman ("I should have known when he got his teeth capped") and grief and loneliness are crowding in. Fortunately, her friend Vanessa hasn't got time for her wallowing. Arriving on her doorstep in the morning as though she's ready to go clubbing, Vanessa is armed with the twin appeals of a wide smile and a bottle of vodka - she's ready for the road trip and Kate's ex's motor is just the drive they need.

Director and writer Dan Nathan and Paul McNally initially seem to be just playing this tale of friendship refreshed by new tribulations for laugh - and there are plenty of chuckles to be had - but it becomes more affecting as it runs along, as poignant secrets start to surface. It is a sign of the strength of McNally's script that the film has attracted telly regulars Lysette Anthony and Sara Stewart to the roles of Kate and Vanessa. Stewart has more brass than the average band, while Anthony plays the straighter role impressively, her fear of the unknown gradually giving way to the excitement of new possibilities.

Although the scripting and acting are the chief draw here, the film is nicely shot by Mike George and Nathan makes good use of both wide open spaces and the confines of the car. Watching it, I wondered if perhaps a longer version is somewhere in the pipeline - there is certainly more mileage to be had from these two characters if there is.