Break My Fall

A Peccadillo Pictures release (U.K.), PRO-FUN media release (Germany) of a Break My Films production. (International sales: Reel Suspects, Paris.) Produced by Billy Wiz, Matteo Rolleri, Kanchi Wichmann. Co-producer, Alex Thiele. Directed, written by Kanchi Wichmann.With: Kay Redstone, Sophie Anderson, Kai Brandon, Collin Clay Chace.The swings between lassitude and rage in a rocky lesbian relationship are often effectively woozy in Kanchi Wichmann's "Break My Fall." Although the pic betrays its origins as a short expanded to a feature, with several sequences that seem to serve as narrative filler, the central focus on young rockers Liza (a combustible Kat Redstone) and Sally (a milder Sophie Anderson) suggests what the British Free Cinema style might have looked like filtered through post-punk. Current U.K. and German releases, alongside fest dates, could open the door to further theatrical gigs. In their ramshackle Hackney flat, Liza and Sally dwell less on the music their struggling band is trying to fashion (soundtrack is rich with strong indie band tracks) and more on Liza's perpetually bubbling jealousy about Sally's ex-lover in Berlin. A package from the ex sets the already uncertain Liza reeling, and even short bouts of lovemaking don't quell Liza's boiling temperament. Male pals Vin (Kai Brandon) and Jamie (Collin Clay Chace) are poorly written afterthoughts, especially compared with the two women's main event. Wichmann concludes on a note of Antonionian sadness that's brave. Vid lensing is low-grade.Camera (color, DV), Dawid Pietkiewicz; editor, Gaia Borretti; production designer, Juliette Rodrigues; costume designer, Ana Carolina Minozzo. Reviewed at Outfest, July 10, 2011. Running time: 102 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com