Chuck Chuck Baby

There’s nothing quite like the bittersweet, cathartic rush of belting out a ballad... First-time feature director Janis Pugh harnesses this to heart-swelling effect in a gorgeous celebration of female camaraderie, second chances and poultry processing.

An endearing tale of self-acceptance, wearing its heart fully on its sleeve thanks to the affecting central romance and joyous transformation of its protagonist.

There is a terrific warmth and emotional generosity to this romantic comedy-drama from the Welsh film-maker Janis Pugh

In the end, Pugh’s film undoubtedly wants to warm hearts, and this it manages to full effect.

As the downtrodden but determined Helen, Brealey brings subtle notes of conviction to Pugh's broad but generous-spirited crowd-pleaser.

"Chuck Chuck Baby is a stylish story about two women struggling to find their place in the world, bolstered by two fantastic performances and well-tuned music."

This film’s hardened northern exterior masks a beautiful beating heart at its centre. A wonderful film that’s as exultant as it is gloomy, this is one of the best British movies of this year.

Backed by an almost all female crew, writer/director Janis Pugh’s musical ode to female sisterhood is a flawed but uplifting embrace of celebrating love where you find it.

Writer-director Janis Pugh creates nuanced characters who pull us in with snappy wit and internalised feelings, finding emotions we can identify with. The narrative kind of meanders in circles, but this colourful film remains sweet and heartfelt.

A poignant, audacious and exuberant amalgam of romance, comedy and musical. If The Umbrellas of Cherbourg had a baby with a Ken Loach film, it would look something like Chuck Chuck Baby.