Review of Eden Lake (2008) by James T — 30 Mar 2010

Uncompromisingly brutal with tension racked up to a hundred, this mean, provocative thriller doesn't tread any particular new ground (check out Them and Funny Games) but does speak loudly about the current British fears of teenagers on the rampage.

Unlike Harry Brown, these kids are reasonably relatable, uncomfortably echoing the knowledge that youngsters will follow an older kid to horrific depths to either fit in or because of peer pressure despite knowing what they're doing is seriously fucked up.

Both Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender prove they can scream and look terrified with the best of them as a fued with a local group of boys (lead by Skins Jack O'Connel and featuring This is England's brilliant Thomas Turgoose) escalates violently to a slightly obvious but no less unsettling climax.

Director Watkin's clearly has confidence in himself and the story, creating one of the best British thrillers of the past few years.