Signs of Life Cinema Review | Road Rash Reviews

3 star poignant story of human connection.

Signs of Life is a 2025 British drama film written and directed by British actor Joseph Millson (The Dead 2, 24: Live Another Day), a well thought out and executed feature directorial debut.

It is showing in select UK cinemas from 5th September 2025, courtesy of Bulldog Film Distribution.

“Hello neighbour. Sorry about the noise. You here alone? We’re here for a week you see, me and my mates.”

Anne (Sarah-Jane Potts – Kinky Boots, The Chameleon) has very recently suffered an undisclosed loss which has left her mute (by choice). She packs a suitcase and a precious flask and heads to the airport, where she encounters the issues you would expect while not speaking. Her destination, Lanzarote, where the bleak volcanic landscape seems to suit her mood and where she hopes to find some peace.

Almost immediately this plan is scuppered by her rowdy and intimidating neighbours at the seedy looking hotel, who scare her into taking her belongings and sleeping rough. She keeps seeing a man (David Ganly – Body of Lies) jogging, seemingly in distress, but takes pains to avoid him. In a local cafe she briefly encounters fellow solo traveller Joyce (Sharon Duce – Rogue Trader) who leaves before she can reach out for help.

Eventually, the jogging man, Bill, approaches her to introduce himself and offer assistance. He has noticed her suitcase and due to his own misfortune he is in a position to help her with accomodation. Can these two deeply damaged individuals really help one another and find a connection, or will it just make things worse?

“I’m not deaf, I just don’t speak.”

Signs of Life is a very well written film, with standout performances which really make it. It seems unlikely on the face of it that an actress could carry a film without speaking but Sarah-Jane Potts does just that, and does it brilliantly with incredibly expressive eyes which draw you into her pain.

The landscapes are dramatic and provocative, and the juxtaposition of holiday makers and raw grief add impact to the story. There are also a couple of amazing original songs which add to the atmosphere. Despite the dark subject matter, there are moments of light to be found here, it’s funny and warm in places and has an overall feeling of hope about it.

If you’re looking for an uplifting afternoon’s viewing, this is not it, but if you want well written, thoughtful story telling, this will be right up your street.

“Actually, to be honest with you, I probably do look happy. Because I had fantastic sex last night with a total stranger.”