Notes

Adam and Abi are flatmates. Each has moved into their shared home separately. He's a graphic designer; she's a nurse. They keep very different hours. As a result, their only medium of communication is leaving notes for one another. Whilst these start out in a bitchy tone, with an argument over fair trade coffee, they soon develop into a wider-ranging, friendy conversation, and it bcomes apparent that an important connection is forming despite the fact they've never met.

As a set-up for a romantic comedy this certainly has potential. The two leads are amiable enough and the image of walls covered in an increasing array of neon hued post-it notes is an appealing one. There's a lack of focus, however, that lets the film down badly. We quickly stop seeing what individual notes say, which makes it difficult to feel we're properly getting to know either character. Too much is taken for granted. Just because this kind of film is formulaic doesn't mean that we can cut straight to Abi discussing romantic feelings for her flatmate with a friend and have it seem realistic. As for the attempt at a twist towards the end, it's far too familiar a device to work effectively. There is none of the chemistry or tension here on which such stories depend.

Nicely edited and with an entertaining turn by Jim Sweeney as the pair's landlord, the film does have its moments but it needs a much stronger script to build on its central idea. As it is, the nine minute running time feels overlong.