‘Grey Matter,’ a new all star British drama starring Eloise Smyth and Stephanie Beacham is set to have its European premiere this Sunday 10th December at London Film Week, following its recent US premiere at Naples International Film Festival, and World Premiere at Female Eye Film Festival where it won Best Foreign Debut.
‘Grey Matter’ is a heartwarming story with both humorous and tear-jerking moments throughout. It offers an authentic exploration of mental health within a family living in a seaside town in Suffolk. The female-led cross generational story is told from teenager Chloe’s perspective, who is navigating symptoms of teenage clinical depression whilst also forming a new crush.
Chloe is played by Eloise Smyth, best known for her role in BBC drama Harlots. Peaky Blinders star Harry Kirton plays Sam, Chloe’s new found support and love interest. Elizabeth Berrington, most recently seen in Last Night in Soho and Diana’s Spencer, portrays mother Eileen who has been dealing with clinical depression for a number of years. The film’s focus, however, is on grandmother Peg’s impact on Chloe when she gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Stephanie Beacham returns to the big screen with her most ambitious and standout role yet – Peg’s battle with dementia which “having had the painful experience of my father’s descent into Alzheimer’s this film is very personal to me” she comments. The film is an ambitious and remarkable directorial debut from British filmmaker Arabella Burfitt-Dons and will be out in selected cinemas across the UK in February 2024.
Executive produced by Angela and Alex Brisbourne, renowned for their involvement in the critically acclaimed ‘Mouthpiece,’ which served as the opening film of Toronto International Film Festival in 2018. “The film showcases extraordinary performances from established box office names, addressing the challenges faced by families with compassion, wit, and empathy.” the Brisbournes comment.
They add, “This movie will touch the hearts of both young and old, offering a sympathetic and amusing exploration of today’s family challenges.” Grey Matter showcases director Arabella’s remarkable level of maturity and artistry as a new filmmaker who filmed the project in just her twenties. Exec Producer Alex adds “It is a rare feat for a young filmmaker to take on emotionally complex themes with such depth and nuance. Arabella is a rising talent to watch.
Watch GREY MATTER (2023) Trailer
Other top British talent joins the cast line-up of the film. Sunetra Sarker, recently starred in Strictly and best known for her work on Casualty and Ackley Bridge, plays Chloe’s psychiatrist. BAFTA-nominated Kierston Wareing (Fish Tank) plays social worker Sandra, Nigel Boyle of Line of Duty fame plays an Alzheimer’s help group leader and Brooke Burfitt (Maternal Secrets) portrays Doctor Spencer.
