The Party's Just Beginning

Gillan plays her messy, mournful role with unfussy integrity.

The movie's sneaky theme is anonymity as our 21st century cure-all for the burden of knowing too much and yet wondering if we really know anyone at all.

The movie is wispy and meandering; it doesn't gather power as it goes along.

Gillan's film weaves together both the past and the present, folding situations into each other with an ease that brushes past any initial audience confusion.

Showcases Gillan's strengths with performers and atmosphere, and also her bravery with content.

By and large, Gillan clearly showcases a handle on the gig. With this outing, she's established herself as a multi-hyphenate to watch out for.

While there's some irony in the title of Gillan's debut feature, it does feel like The Party's Just Beginning is the start of something special.

If only the narrative had a bit more substance, then this party would be fun to witness.

far from a vanity project for Gillan - it's a grand entrance for a promising, bold new director.

There's a real power to the filmmaking here; Gillan is, clearly, a force to be reckoned with.

Bold visual, editing, and musical choices show that despite this being her debut feature, Gillan is a natural storyteller confident in her own style and vision

Told in a heartfelt way with Gillan proving to be a triple threat, The Party's Just Beginning is a love letter to Scotland.