Joseph Quinn as Michael.
THE INSPIRATIONS
Quinn and director Luna Carmoon discussed ’70s films from directors like Alan Clarke and Joseph Losey during their early conversations about Michael, a 30-year-old former foster child who develops intense feelings for Hoard’s troubled teen protagonist, Maria (Saura Lightfoot-Leon). Alan Bates and Oliver Reed were also references when it came to the darker side of Michael’s personality, as his passion for Maria deepens despite having a pregnant partner at home. “It’s no secret that when Oliver Reed was conducting himself in his personal life, there were unsavoury aspects,” says Quinn (Reed, along with having anger and alcohol issues, was 42 when he met 16-year-old Josephine Burge, his future wife). Yet he believes that reserving judgement against his character proved key. “It’s not on really,” he admits, laughing, of Michael’s behaviour. “But you’ve just got to forgive him.”