(12A) 90min

Back in January 2006 a 38-year-old Londoner of Afro-Caribbean descent, Joyce Vincent, was found dead in her Wood Green housing association flat located above a busy shopping centre. Her decomposing corpse had lain there undisturbed for nearly three years, surrounded by Christmas presents and with the television still tuned to BBC One. How could such a tragedy happen in 21st century Britain?

In a manner reminiscent of Agnes Varda’s Vagabond, writer-director Carol Morley (The Alcohol Years) mixes up formats in this compelling documentary-drama investigation into Vincent’s intriguing life story. There are imaginative, voiceless reconstructions, in which Fresh Meat actress Zawe Ashton plays the adult Joyce, shrewdly chosen songs, such as Carolyn Crawford’s ‘My Smile is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down)’, and interviews with Joyce’s ex-partners, friends and colleagues. A fascinating portrait emerges of a strikingly attractive and vivacious woman, who was also secretive and even chameleonic in her tendency to move between social circles. There are conflicting memories and testimonies of Joyce: some say that she had a tremendous singing voice, whilst music producer and former boyfriend Alistair Abrahams believes she had no discernible musical talent. A unique, if slightly disjointed, film, which speaks volumes about the profound mysteries of other people’s lives.

Dreams of a Life Trailer