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Published: 8 December, 2011
by DAN CARRIER

Directed by Carol Morley
Certificate: 15

Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Stars

Joyce Vincent lay dead in the light of a flickering TV in her flat above Shopping City in Wood Green for three years. Bills piled up on her mat. Rent arrears grew, and grew, and grew.

Eventually, after bailiffs had banged on the door a few times, a council officer forced his way in – and found a scene of despair.

The life and passing of Joyce provides the story of this thoughtful docu-drama.

Director Carol Morley was struck by Joyce’s fate and set about finding her friends and family, and drawing up a picture of a much-loved, kind, friendly and spirited woman who seemingly was happy to be alone.

We are brought this film due to the fact a local news reporter went to a coroner’s court and marked Joyce’s sad death with an article, and began to ask questions.

Her piece was read by the director, who became fascinated too – how in our modern age of instant communications could a popular, friendly, hard-working person die in such a manner?

Furthermore, her body was so badly decomposed it was not possible to say how she died.

This film raises questions: was it an asthma attack?

Suicide?

Or even murder?

It so transpires she had been for a time in a refuge.

The mystery is not solved – but it does make you wonder how a supposedly civilised society can allow such sad events to happen.

This is an incredibly sad story that has made a thoughtful and sensitive film.

It will hopefully prompt questions about our community and about caring for one another.

Joyce’s heartbreaking fate may produce a sliver of good if it prompts us to smile at those around us and enquire: how are you?