Ray & Liz

Watch Ray & Liz

  • 2019
  • 1 hr 48 min
  • 6.7  (1,807)
  • 81

Ray & Liz is a British independent drama film directed by Richard Billingham, based on his own life and experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family in the West Midlands region of England. The film is made up of three distinct segments, each focusing on different moments in the lives of Billingham's parents: Ray and Liz. The first segment, titled "Ray," takes place in the late 1980s and follows the titular character as he spends his days drinking heavily and gambling at the local pub. Ray is played by Patrick Romer, who portrays the character as a gruff and somewhat intimidating man who is prone to violent outbursts. Despite this, it is clear that Ray loves his children and wants to provide for his family, even if his methods are questionable. Throughout this section of the film, we see Ray interact with his young son as they visit the local scrapyard and attempt to sell stolen car parts for cash.

In the second segment, "Liz," we see the character of the same name portrayed by Ella Smith. This section takes place a few years later, as Liz and the family's three children struggle to survive in squalid conditions in a ramshackle council flat. Liz is portrayed as a deeply troubled and emotionally unstable woman, prone to neglecting her children and engaging in self-destructive behavior. Despite this, we also see glimpses of her humanity and moments of tenderness as she interacts with her children.

The final section of the film, "The Beautiful Room," takes place in 1992 and centers around a single event: Ray and Liz's young son being taken into care by social services. In this segment, we see how the family's poverty and neglectful behavior have taken a toll on their children, and how their actions have consequences that will affect their lives forever.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the wider world outside of the family's cramped and dingy surroundings. Shots of a nearby factory and motorway highlight the bleakness and isolation of their environment, while occasional snippets of news reports and a speech from then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher remind us of the sociopolitical climate of the time.

Ray & Liz is a deeply personal and at times harrowing film, exploring themes of poverty, neglect, and addiction. The performances from the cast are exceptional, with Romer and Smith capturing the complexities of their characters with nuance and depth. Director Richard Billingham's background as a photographer is evident in the film's striking visuals; the cinematography is often bleak but beautiful, with shots of the family's cluttered flat conveying an oppressive sense of claustrophobia.

Ultimately, Ray & Liz is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a dysfunctional family in crisis. While the film may not be for everyone due to its bleak subject matter and at times disturbing content, it is a powerful and affecting work that offers a window into a world that is rarely seen on screen.

Ray & Liz is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 81.

Ray & Liz
Description
Where to Watch Ray & Liz
Ray & Liz is available to watch free on Crackle, The Roku Channel Free and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, FuboTV, Philo, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Ray & Liz for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2019
  • Runtime
    1 hr 48 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (1,807)
  • Metascore
    81