Reviews

It's a number of years since I saw this film. It was aired one day by the BBC, in the early hours, as filling between two equally dreadful chat programs.

Think of Macbeth made by Ed Wood, a la Plan 9 from Outer Space, and you'll get the picture. It packs a lot in, what with the carefully-posed nude body of the murder victim being carried through the woods to the hut, some dreadful but unintentionally funny dialogue and stumbling acting and photography. For bad film buffs there is much to enjoy.

If you can get hold of a VHS copy of this, please burn it, unless your love of the macabre is matched by your love of poor film.

This is not just a "kitchen sink" film. It's an thriller with an edge, a story and believable characters.

It is a fairly violent film, but that violence is given a realistic, documentary treatment, which is some ways makes it all the more shocking. There is no gore splatter, just cold, well-defined revenge. The trailer did leave me with the impression it was going to be much bloodier, but I feel that Shane Meadows got the balance right.

Paddy Considine's script is very good, and leaves enough room for the audience to be surprised at the next turn, and his portrayal of a vengeful brother is spot-on.

Provided they are happy with the lack of Hollywood polish, this is a film I'd recommend to any lovers of the thriller genre. It's well-paced and there are sufficient surprises to keep you guessing throughout.

Overall, it kept me well occupied and it gets a good 8/10 from me.