Hannah McCauley is currently living in her car in the grounds of a Scottish hospital. Although Christmas is approaching, the festive cheer isn’t enough to keep the malicious frost away, and those around Hannah are concerned. The plummeting temperatures could lead to a deadly case of hypothermia. On top of the cold, restrictions of living in her car could be contributing towards declining health. The irony in this situation is that Hannah lives in her car in the grounds of the hospital because of severe health anxiety. She needs to be close by in case her condition gets worse. But when she goes into the emergency room to be checked on a regular basis, they can’t find anything wrong. When Hannah pleads that her symptoms are definitely getting worse, the nurse suggests it is the result of living in her car.
Despite this, Hannah is still unable to leave. An obsessive compulsion keeps her trapped in the car park. Hannah does have a family, a partner, a job – even a home. People have noticed she is missing from normal life. Her mum tries to talk her into coming home but Hannah remains firm. The image of Hannah’s car decorated in fairy lights given as a present by her mother is very striking, somehow managing to be both cosy and slightly haunting at the same time. Her partner, Vincent, has been patient. But the holidays are a time for bringing people together, and he finds himself accusing Hannah of ruining Christmas for everyone. She kicks him out the car; it seems she will be spending Christmas Day alone.
Surrounded by anxieties and intrusive thoughts, reality and fiction are ever blurred. But when one of her fears comes true, Hannah is forced into overcoming her compulsions. She manages to leave the carpark. Whether this helps Hannah overcome her problems long term is unknown.
While watching the film, I found myself looking for a more compelling reason that Hannah lives in her car in the grounds of a hospital. Perhaps she desperately needed to be near a loved one who was staying in the hospital. Some kind of personal sacrifice that makes a story emotional and engaging. However, I soon understood that the turmoil of someone who is so mentally unwell they would put themselves through the physical discomfort of living in their car is what makes the conflict of the film so important. What Car Sick really exemplifies is the lack of efficiency within services for people struggling with their mental health. Rather than referring Hannah to a department that can help deal with these anxieties, the hospital can only turn her away because there is nothing physically wrong with her.
While the resolution of the film is perhaps a little convenient and doesn’t really contribute much understanding of Hannah’s situation, it is an effectively emotional climax. Director David Hayman Jr. and writer Marcus McPeake work together to tell an interesting story made beautiful with visual flair from cinematographer Niall Donaldson. The accompanying soundtrack is very well chosen. A track that particularly stood out for me was “I Wanna” by Caitlin Agnew, showcasing Scotland’s own talent.
Jamie Marie Leary as Hannah is confident and courageous. She takes on this difficult role with vigour. Similarly, Kathryn Howden as Hannah’s mum and Eoin Sweeney as her partner, Vincent, are great supporting cast. They convey the emotions that arise when a loved one is suffering in such a complex way.
Watch the trailer below!