A badge and a bad attitude

Filth (R18+)
Starring: James McAvoy, Imogen Poots
IT’S the most shocking film we’ve seen on screens for quite some time.
Nice guy James McAvoy comes of age in this film, playing a dirty copper angling for promotion in Scotland.
McAvoy’s character – still not certain if he’s immoral or amoral – plays it up with cold dead eyes and a killer smirk.
In many ways, it’s a film reminiscent of the horrifying Bad Lieutenant, with many of the same themes at play.
McAvoy’s man is at war with everyone around him – including even himself.
Those he’s not at war with, he’s involved with – most notably his mates’ wives.
And just about everything and everyone gets a whack along the way – but notably Britain’s class system, and especially the Masons.
It’s a bleak film, with a bleak setting and an equally bleak ending.
And there are more than a few surprises, as we see the depths this dirty dog can plumb.
Bring a strong stomach, but this one’s a worthy diversion from the current vanilla cinema.
– Jason Beck