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THE TWO OF US— A LIVERPOOL STORY OF LOSS, LOVE AND HEALING COMES HOME TO THE PLAZA
On Saturday 15 November 2025, The Plaza Community Cinema in Waterloo will host the hometown launch of The Two of Us— an 86-minute feature documentary made in Merseyside about grief, friendship and the power of showing up for one another.
The film follows Tim Edwards, father of Elle Edwards, as he navigates unimaginable loss after Elle was murdered on Christmas Eve, and John May, the Liverpool actor and comedian who walked with him from Land’ s End to John o’ Groats. What began as a charity trek became a candid exploration of how men talk about pain, how communities rally, and how hope is rebuilt step by step.
Created over two years by first-time filmmakers— director Owen Ward and producer John May— under their banner Progress Pictures( in association with LA Productions), The Two of Us blends three visual textures: intimate interviews, raw vlog footage from the walk, and reflective returns to key locations along the route. The result balances polish with honesty— cinematic where it should be, unfiltered when it matters most.
That authenticity has already been recognised. The film made its world premiere at the 33rd Raindance Film Festival in London and received nominations for Best Documentary Feature and Best UK Cinematography— an extraordinary milestone for a debut team from Liverpool, and a springboard to share the story worldwide.
The Plaza screening launches a week-long run and a wider campaign to take this Liverpool-born story to international festivals. Festivals are vital for independent films: they build audiences, attract distributors and create opportunities for future screenings and outreach. To make that leap, the team is raising funds to cover submission fees and essential delivery costs. Across multiple territories, entry fees, travel, accommodation and materials quickly add up— significant sums for a self-financed project.
Behind the scenes, there’ s also the crucial task of securing long-term rights. Some archival materials are currently licensed for limited use— ideal for festival and community screenings— but expanding those licences will allow the film to be shown commercially and on major platforms without constant renegotiation. The team must also obtain BBFC certification, the official rating required for wider UK release. It’ s not glamorous work, but it’ s what ensures powerful local stories like this can be shared responsibly and reach the audiences they deserve.
What makes The Two of Us stand out is its tone. The film resists easy sentimentality. Tim’ s grief is never softened, and John’ s own struggles are openly acknowledged. Their friendship— two working-class Northern lads walking side by side— becomes the emotional anchor: proof that humour and honesty can coexist, and that even in the darkest times, connection can light the way. As the filmmakers put it,“ trauma is trauma”— everyone’ s experience is valid, and each story deserves to be heard.
For Merseyside audiences, the film carries an added resonance: it’ s our story, told by our people. Developed and filmed locally, it was supported by a network that believed in a first-time team determined to learn and grow in public. Executive Producer Colin McKeown and LA Productions provided guidance and facilities, while a small, dedicated crew helped shape hours of lived experience into a lean, moving feature. It’ s independent filmmaking at its most authentic— practical, patient and full of heart.
Opening night at The Plaza will feature a post-screening Q & A and a live auction, with all proceeds going directly towards the film’ s festival campaign. Buying a ticket isn’ t just a night at the cinema; it’ s a tangible way to help a Liverpool story travel further. If you can’ t make the premiere, The Two of Us continues throughout the week— and every ticket sold contributes to the campaign.
Ultimately, The Two of Us is a hopeful film— not because it offers easy answers, but because it shows how people rebuild after tragedy: through small acts of kindness, shared miles and honest conversation. In an age that prizes speed and polish, Ward and May have chosen patience and presence. The result is a documentary with real staying power— one that meets audiences where they are and, perhaps, leaves them a little lighter for the journey ahead.
The Plaza Community Cinema run of The Two of Us begins Saturday 15 November 2025. Book tickets via plazacinema. org. uk / whats-on / the-two-of-us and follow Progress Pictures for updates as the film embarks on its international festival journey.
All ticket sales and donations go directly towards festival submissions, archival licensing and BBFC certification— the essential steps that will help this Liverpool story reach every corner it deserves to reach.
22 wirrallife. com