The Tribe
1998 · United Kingdom · 105 min
- Director
- Stephen Poliakoff
- Screenplay
- Stephen Poliakoff
- Music
- Adrian Johnston
Cast
What it is about
A property developer is hired to evict a post-modern, hippie-like proto-cult from a building. Its leader, Emily, is played by Joely Richardson. Over time, the developer, Jamie, played by Jeremy Northam, is slowly drawn into the group's way of life, with its strange rituals, eating habits and risky relationships. Written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff, the film sets material order against an alternative lifestyle.
How it was made
The Tribe was written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff. It was shot in 1996 but not broadcast until 1998, and it runs 105 minutes as a television drama. The score is by Adrian Johnston, a regular collaborator of the director, and it carries some of Poliakoff's recognisable touches, such as photograph studies. The cast also includes Trevor Eve, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Anna Friel. Friel later admitted she was terrified of the bedroom scenes, describing the day as the least sexy feeling she had ever had on set, though it was not as bad as she had feared.
Reception and legacy
The film drew controversy for its nudity and for a much-discussed threesome scene involving Anna Friel, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Jeremy Northam. It was one of Friel's first roles after leaving Brookside. The sources consulted do not mention any major awards, so its place in film history can only be described cautiously: a Poliakoff television drama that stirred notable debate for its content.
Stills
Trivia
Shot and broadcast years apart
The film was made in 1996 but was not broadcast until 1998, two years after filming.
First role after Brookside
Anna Friel took it as one of her first roles after leaving Brookside, and admitted to being very nervous about the bedroom scenes.
More films by Stephen Poliakoff
Close My Eyes
Glorious 39Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.