“Twenty-One” (1991) is a British-American drama directed by Don Boyd, co-written with Zoë Heller, featuring Patsy Kensit as Katie, a free-spirited and independently minded 21-year-old. The film delves into Katie’s introspective journey as she reflects on the men in her life, including her drug-addicted boyfriend Bobby (Rufus Sewell), her married lover Jack (Patrick Ryecart), and her father Kenneth (Jack Shepherd). Through direct addresses to the camera, Katie offers an unfiltered narrative of her experiences, providing a raw and honest portrayal of her relationships and personal growth.
Patsy Kensit Shines in “Twenty-One” as a Young Woman Navigating Love and Life
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in February 1991, “Twenty-One” received critical acclaim, particularly for Kensit’s compelling performance, which some critics compared to Julie Christie’s role in “Darling.” The film was noted for its stylistic approach, reminiscent of 1960s British cinema, with characters breaking the fourth wall to engage the audience directly. Despite its mixed reception in the UK and US, the film earned Kensit a nomination for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards and was in contention for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
