#SXSW: “PIRATES”

By Amanda Gilmore

Have you been craving the nostalgia of ’90s fashion, entertainment and/or technology? Are you seeking an endearing story about friendship told with British comedy? If so you’re in luck because Director-Writer Reggie Yates has got you covered.

In his breakout Feature-debut Pirates, Yates takes us on a journey through London on New Year’s Eve 1999. 18-year-old life-long friends, Cappo (Elliot Edusah), Two Tonne (Jordan Peters) and Kidda (Reda Elazouar), travel from North to South London with the hopes to attend the best millennium party ever.

A lot of the comedy comes from the time Pirates takes place. There’s a scene where Kidda ignores his friends’ questions because he needs to feed his Tamagotchi. Another scene holds a conversation between Cappo and Two Tonne discussing the new website Google and if they can play a DVD on a PlayStation. In the Second Act, the costumes speak for themselves as the three sit in Cappo’s tiny Peugeot 205 decked-out in ’90s Moschino.

Yates fits a lot within the Film’s tight run-time of 80 mins, while never losing sight of its central message. Each comical event that happens in the one eventful night ties to the heartfelt theme about the importance of friendships. This message and the comedic moments are made stronger through the vibrant chemistry the three actors share. Their chemistry creates authenticity to the life-long bond the characters have.

Overall, Pirates is a stand-out New Year’s Eve film.

Pirates Screens at SXSW:
In-Person:
Friday, March 11 at 6:30 PM EST – Alamo Lamar A

Monday, March 14 at 8:30 PM EST – Alamo Lamar C
Wednesday, March 16 at 7:45 PM EST – Violet Crown Cinema 2

Wednesday, March 16 at 8:15 PM EST – Violet Crown Cinema 4

Online:
Saturday, March 12 at 10:00 AM EST – Available for 48 hours