Directed by Nick Dipchand
In How Close Am I, directed by Nick Dipchand, Sophie Macnair delivers a deeply affecting performance that is difficult to shake. The film offers a harrowing depiction of someone navigating an increasingly difficult and vulnerable situation, with the writing bringing a real depth and authenticity to a subject matter that is both delicate and deeply unsettling.
What makes Macnair's performance so striking is the sheer emotional honesty she brings to the role. As the film progresses, we are gradually given a different perspective, finding ourselves on the other side of the conversation, in the position of the newly appointed counsellor, played by Madeleine Jullian. Jullian brings a thoughtful and equally compelling presence to these scenes, providing a different perspective through which to experience the full weight of her character's situation. The dynamic between the two actresses makes for some of the film's most affecting moments. Every expression, hesitation and moment of distress feels painfully human.
There is a real intelligence to both the writing and the performances. Macnair captures the frustration, fragility and desperation of someone struggling to navigate circumstances that feel increasingly beyond their control, never allowing the performance to become overstated or contrived. Instead, she brings a rawness and sincerity that makes the character feel remarkably real. Jullian deserves equal recognition for the sensitivity she brings to the counsellor, creating a dynamic that feels grounded and emotionally convincing.
How Close Am I is an uncomfortable, often heartbreaking watch, but one with a great deal of emotional substance. The writing is exceptional, and the performances from Macnair and Jullian give it a humanity and poignancy that stay with you.
