The La Cha Cha is a madcap Welsh comedy, shot under pandemic rules (the cast apparently formed a bubble on the Gower peninsula to make the film) with a slight Covid-19 theme (enough to keep you interested; not so much that it makes you groan). It reunites the team behind cult favourite Twin Town and stars Keith Allen, Alfie Allen, Rhys Ifans, Dougray Scott and Melanie Walters.
Plot
A group of eccentric oldies live together on a caravan/camp site; they’re desperate not to die in an old folks home. They don’t like newcomers, strangers or foreigners – so when an Irishman comes to camp seeking refuge, they’re less than welcoming.
Review
From the opening credits it felt like I was about to watch an old British classic like Benidorm or Carry on Camping – and I wasn’t disappointed. Within the first ten minutes there’s a song about crusty knickers. We meet some quirky characters. There are naturists; there’s an organ playing crossdresser; there’s a prostitute; there’s a group of ex-military homosexuals.
La Cha Cha is very silly – but it shows off what we love best about ourselves: our weirdness. You can tell that they were all having such a laugh making it. And for audiences looking for light relief after this godforsaken year – you’ll find plenty of fun moments here.
It’s meant to be about seniors but then Libby falls in love with the Irishman and this takes up too much screen time. I would have rather seen more oldies and their antics. There are lots of little plots within this story: romance, dead body, contraband… we also investigate why the Irishman is at the camp? What do people want from him? But mainly: how long have we got him for? Meanwhile our main drama is that in 30 days – as the lease is up for sale and they simply can’t afford it – the camp might be stop. The ending might have been slightly predictable – but then again, who cares? It’s emotionally provocative; it gives us fulfilment; it gives us joy.
The acting is great. Every actor here brings out the best and worst of their characters. Ruby Ashbourne Serkis (daughter of Andy Serkis) plays Libby, who’s in her mid-20s and owns the La Cha Cha caravan park with her brother Damien (played by her real life brother Sonny Ashbourne Serkis). Both give really good performances.
There’s a mix of music – cheesy electric organ and classical to help distinguish emotions in the scenes. I don’t know what it is about that electric organ but it takes me back to Blackpool and Filey as a kid – these small details which bring a sense of nostalgia make this film special.
Overall La Cha Cha is light-hearted with crude comedy, highlighting the power of friendship, acceptance and community. And for anyone involved in making or writing this film: please turn into a series.
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