Sink Or Swim

An old fashioned swim cap, with old fashioned flowers, an old fashioned font, and an old fashioned story. A touching, beautifully constructed one, some waving, some drowning, some synchronicity.

Una Stubbs is Cynthia, looked after by Ellie, a sterling turn from Charlotte Beaumont. They've great chemistry, a mix of grace and despair as they try to relocate, to escape. Age pulls at us all, responsibility, bureaucracy - even with friends, good friends like Sarah Hoare's Cassia, even with hope and a smile and glitter, things don't always work as one would hope.

Coming Up gives filmmakers early in their career the keys to Channel 4's filmmaking cupboard, access to talented behind the scenes staff and all the fooferaw, widget and gewgaw that one needs to make moving pictures. Line Langebek Knudsen's script and Luke Snellin's direction have created something touching and charming, graceful on the surface and furious underneath.

Neither Knudsen nor Snellin are as new to short film as other participants, but that's not a problem - given how many other careers have been given a lift by Coming Up one can hardly complain that this opportunity has been given to a writer and director who seem as assured, nor about the performances elicited from an experienced cast. It's a fitting conclusion to 2013's strong programme, and an indicator of real talent. With all its components moving neatly together, Sink or Swim deserves to make a splash.