The Martins 2001
In this darkly comic gem from 2001, Tony Grounds directs a chaotic portrait of the Martin family, whose lives spiral into absurdity against the drab backdrop of London's suburbs.
Director: Tony Grounds
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Martins (2001) about?
The Martins follows Robert Martin, a chronically unlucky man who, after years of failed competitions, snaps when his family's lack of progress drives him to desperate measures. His quest for a dream holiday spirals into a crime spree that tests the boundaries of his already strained household. The film explores the tension between comedy and tragedy in everyday family life.
Who directed The Martins?
Tony Grounds directed The Martins (2001). Known for his work in British television and film, Grounds crafts a story that blends humor with the raw edges of working-class existence.
Who stars in The Martins?
The film stars comedy heavyweights Lee Evans and Kathy Burke as Robert and his long-suffering wife, with standout performances from Linda Bassett, Frank Finlay, and Terri Dumont.
Is The Martins (2001) worth watching?
With its sharp blend of comedy and drama, The Martins (2001) offers a unique take on the dysfunctional family trope. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its cult status among British film fans suggests it's a hidden gem worth seeking out—or streaming if it's available on your platform.
How long is The Martins?
The Martins runs for 87 minutes.
About The Martins (2001) — When a comedy of errors escalates into outright madness
In this darkly comic gem from 2001, Tony Grounds directs a chaotic portrait of the Martin family, whose lives spiral into absurdity against the drab backdrop of London's suburbs. Lee Evans stars as Robert Martin, a chronic underachiever who drags his long-suffering wife (Kathy Burke), his accident-prone son, and his pregnant teenage daughter through daily humiliations in their run-down home. When a string of bad luck culminates in a desperate bid for a dream holiday, Robert's frustration boils over into outright criminality, turning a farcical family squabble into a twisted escapade. The film blends cringe comedy with raw family drama, exposing the cracks in a household where survival feels like a contact sport.
Wrapped in the gritty aesthetics of early 2000s British cinema, The Martins (2001) probes themes of desperation, dysfunction, and the lengths to which people might go to escape their own failures. With sharp performances and a tone that balances pathos with pitch-black humor, this cult favorite remains a sharp commentary on working-class life and the small-scale catastrophes that define it.