Film Analysis: Ebony & Ivory – A Bizarre Independent Film A World Away From Its Musical Namesakes

Crafted by Jim Hosking, famous as a eccentric understated absurdist style, this feature offers a bizarre humorous story that feels like an extended comedy bit from a well-known team of actors. Viewers might find themselves laughing in a spirit of surrender, unable to believe the repetitive and ridiculous dialogue shared by the main performers.

The Premise

Taking place in a Scottish peninsula in 1981, the film features a pop star named Paul with a faux Liverpool accent. He welcomes an arrival who rows a dinghy across stormy seas. This is a vision-impaired Black music legend named Stevie, yet somehow appears to see and mock Paul’s most peculiar habit: a playful approval sign.

This pair are portrayed by an actor and his co-star, both Hosking’s regular collaborators.

Strange Escapades

Over a warm drink, a strong spirit, and some cannabis, the conversations play out similar to beings from different worlds encountering each other initially. Their dynamic changes from suspicion and dislike, until finding a grudging tolerance. Their connection holds up by mutual experiences like swimming cold ocean, disguising themselves in woolly costumes and making animal sounds, and other peculiar escapades.

Behind the Song?

Will this strange get-together truly lead to the situation for legendary musicians to write among the ultimate well-known pro-harmony pop songs in history? Maybe. But not once do they really discuss the song, experiment with tunes, or draft words – presumably because of rights restrictions. Nonetheless, there is comedy when Stevie repeatedly shouts those words in his Stateside tone. Such silliness proves to be an uncommon treat.

The film opens in British and Irish theaters from 19 September.

John Anderson
John Anderson

A tech enthusiast and UX designer with over a decade of experience in creating user-centric digital solutions.