It’s the themes of acceptance, being an outsider, and the struggle to reconcile ones ambitions with ones abilities that’s the subject of writer director Janet Merewether’s latest film, Jabe Babe; A Heightened Life.

While individual scenes are beautifully textured, well written and acted by very competent leads, the film as a whole feels a bit on the long side — although it’s never boring.

Despite needing stronger dramatic markers to tell you what was going on, there’s an escalating sense of desperation and despair and some great performances to carry it, particular the always-wonderful Aden Young, who doesn’t get nearly enough screen time as the smooth, lizard-like Angus.