iHoard, a British drama crafted by the visionary filmmaker Luna Carmoon, delves deep into the intricacies of a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of the 1980s and 1990s. Premiering at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2023, and hitting UK cinemas on May 17, 2024, the film captivates audiences with its poignant storytelling and powerful performances.
Luna Carmoon, writer and director, brings a sensitive yet compelling narrative to life, featuring an ensemble cast that vividly captures the essence of familial bonds and personal growth through decades of change.
The film features established and emerging talents, including Saura Lightfoot Leon and Hayley Squires, each bringing their unique emotional depth to the story. Hoard explores the dynamic shifts within a family and provides a platform for its actors to embody complex characters, each with their own stories interwoven with the film’s central theme.
Exploring cast details of Hoard (2024)
Here's the full cast list of Hoard:
- Saura Lightfoot Leon as Maria
- Lily-Beau Leach as young Maria
- Hayley Squires as Cynthia, Maria's mother
- Joseph Quinn as Michael, one of Michelle's former foster children
- Deba Hekmat as Laraib, Maria's school friend
- Samantha Spiro as Michelle, Maria's foster mother
- Cathy Tyson as Sam
- Nabil Elouahabi as Ali
- Sandra Hale as Janice
1) Saura Lightfoot Leon as Maria
Saura Lightfoot Leon is a Dutch-born English actor who plays Maria, navigating her tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood. Leon, known for her roles in independent films that explore nuanced characters, brings Maria a layer of gritty realism.
Her portrayal captures the struggles and resilience of a young woman trying to understand her place within a fractured family dynamic. Before Hoard, Leon's performances in short films and stage productions had marked her as a rising star with a knack for emotionally charged roles.
2) Lily-Beau Leach as Young Maria
Lily-Beau Leach portrays Maria during her younger years, providing a foundation for the character's development. Leach's performance is poignant and captivating, effectively conveying the innocence and confusion of a young girl facing life's harsh realities too soon.
This role follows her notable appearances in television dramas where she has been praised for her ability to command a scene with subtlety and depth.
3) Hayley Squires as Cynthia
Playing the role of Cynthia, Maria's mother, Hayley Squires delivers a powerful performance that explores the complexities of motherhood, ambition and personal demons.
Squires, widely recognized for her work in critically acclaimed films like I, Daniel Blake, Call The Midwife and Complicit uses her extensive range to depict a woman torn between her aspirations and responsibilities as a mother.
4) Joseph Quinn as Michael
One of Maria's former foster children, Foster, is portrayed by Joseph Quinn, who adds a significant layer to the film, playing a pivotal role in her life.
Known for his dynamic roles in television and film, Quinn delivers a nuanced portrayal of Michael, reflecting the character's struggles with past traumas and search for belonging.
His previous works include the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, Les Miserables, and more recently in A Quiet Day One.
What is Hoard all about?
Hoard is set in a time of economic and social turbulence in the UK, focusing on the evolving relationship between Maria and her mother, Cynthia.
The narrative spans well over a decade, capturing the highs and lows of their bond and the impact of external pressures on their lives. The film’s setting in South-East London provides a gritty, authentic backdrop that complements the story’s emotional gravity.
Produced by Delaval Film, Erebus Pictures and Anti-Worlds and supported by the British Film Institute and BBC Film, Hoard is not only a story about individuals but also about societal shifts that shape their destinies. The film has been noted for its cinematic craftsmanship and the director’s ability to portray delicate human emotions with finesse and clarity.
Hoard is a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of family and the strength found in relationships tested by time and trials.
Interested viewers can watch Hoard on Mubi.