Ray & Liz is a British drama film directed by Richard Billingham, and it premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in August 2018. The film was inspired by Billingham's striking photographs of his family from the 1980s and 1990s and tells the story of his childhood in a Birmingham council flat.
The movie is divided into three chapters, each focusing on different aspects of Billingham's family life. The first chapter, "Ray," follows Billingham's father, a heavy-drinking man who spends most of his days in a drunken stupor. The second chapter, "Liz," is about Billingham's mother, who struggles to cope with her husband's alcoholism and takes solace in religion. The final chapter, "Jason," is about Billingham's younger brother, who is neglected by his parents and forced to fend for himself.
Ray & Liz has received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of working-class life in Thatcher-era Britain. The film is shot in a gritty, naturalistic style, with long takes and minimal dialogue. The performances are all excellent, particularly those of Justin Salinger as Ray and Ella Smith as Liz.
The film is a powerful meditation on the cycle of poverty and addiction, and it paints a vivid portrait of a family struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.