Albatross

Synopsis

Albatross is a coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of a scenic coastal town in England. The story follows Emelia (Jessica Brown Findlay), a talented teenage writer who is sent to live with her estranged, affluent aunt and uncle after a family tragedy. Struggling to fit in among the wealthy and seemingly perfect residents, Emelia uses her sharp wit and creativity to navigate the complexities of adolescence, rivalry, and self-discovery. The film explores themes of identity, ambition, and the often messy transition from youth to adulthood, all while highlighting the vibrant yet challenging dynamics within a privileged community.

Cast

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  Jessica Brown Findlay

  Emelia

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  Harry Treadaway

  Jake

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  Josef Altin

  Dave

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  Felicity Jones

  Beth Fischer

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  Julia Ormond

  Joa

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  Justin Edwards

  Policeman

Reviews

Critical reception for Albatross has been mixed, reflecting a range of opinions on its narrative and execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 54% rating, indicating a divide between critics who praised its unique setting and witty script and those who found its storytelling uneven. The consensus often points to strong performances, especially from Jessica Brown Findlay, whose portrayal of Emelia adds depth to the coming-of-age tale. IMDb users gave it a 6.3/10 rating, suggesting moderate enjoyment among general audiences but not universal acclaim. On Metacritic, the film received a score of 42/100, signaling more negative or lukewarm reviews from professional critics. While some reviewers welcomed the film's fresh take on teenage struggles with social class, others felt the plot lacked cohesion and the tone wavered between drama and comedy without fully committing to either. Quotes such as "a promising debut with a sharp script but uneven execution" and "captures adolescent angst with stylish flair" summarize the critical split. Overall, Albatross is noted for its atmospheric setting and strong lead performance but is seen as a flawed yet interesting entry in the coming-of-age genre.