All Creatures Here Below

Continuing my look at Karen Gillan films, I come to a release from this year called All Creatures Here Below. It is one of the most depressing movies I have ever seen.

It is competently made and well acted (I've yet to see Gillan not give a good performance) but wow, what a bummer. Gillan and David Dastmalchian (who also wrote the script) are two people (not sure if they are married or not) living below the poverty line. Dastmalchian gets laid off from his job at a pizzeria, and decides to turn things around by taking the money from his last paycheck and betting it on a cockfight. When the police raid the proceedings, things take a turn for the worse. If that weren't enough, the simple-minded Gillan kidnaps a baby.

We then follow the couple as they go on the lam, but anyone can realize that things will not end well.

Directed by Collin Schiffli, All Creatures Here Below is an insightful look at those who live on the margins, who think salvation will come from scratch-off lottery tickets. But this is not the movie to see when you're feeling blue. After it's over you will be desperate to find something to perk up your spirits.

Also in the cast is an unrecognizable John Doe as Dastmalchian's sympathetic uncle.