Jenny (Anna Friel) leads a lonely life. Waking up alone each day, minimal contact with friends or family. The only pleasure Jenny gains is from the extravagance shoe collection she owns, wearing a different pair daily. Jenny only finds true solace when forming a friendship with Chris (Nonso Anozie), a homeless man who preaches kindness and equality.
The Pavement Psychologists deals with social issues with a deep sense of humanity. It delves into the motivations of Jenny and Chris, where they stand in society and what they offer each other. When Jenny finds out from her Boss Doug (Steve Mackintosh) wants to close down the local shelter Chris occupies, she becomes determined to stop him. The determination and cunning charm Friel gave to Jenny made you root for her as she fought for the greater good in protecting Chris. The sympathetic delivery Anozie gives as we learn of Chris’ downfall into poverty paused for thought the wider social issues dealt with, especially since in an earlier scene the ‘Save the Shelter’ hand-outs he distributes are ignored. It opens you to understand these issues and like Jenny, be drawn towards the greater good.
Steve Mackintosh made Doug so sleazy that you could only hate him and all he stood for. And Reggie Yeats with a small, light role where he gave comic relief from the deeper aspects at play. The Pavement Psychologists is an uplifting story with a underlying message of hope, if you make it happen.
Doug (Steve Mackintosh), Jenny (Anna Friel) and Chris (Nonso Anozie)
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