Review of Filth (2013) by Dasen P — 28 Dec 2014

My review is mixed because I'm still not sure if I love or hate this movie. It is a comedy, but dark and very disturbing at times. As a movie, it does many things extremely well, and does not ignore the blatant reality of what is going on while building up the back story slowly until it all comes crashing into view near the end. There is a twist, but it has been hinted at and blatantly beat into your subconscious so when it is revealed it is almost reassuring that things you have seen were put there on purpose.

Overall, it is a well made and brilliantly written film. James McAvoy plays his character extremely well and the supporting cast are all on point with their performances. I almost gave this a lower rating. This movie made me think, which I love, but it seriously disturbed me as well. It made demeaning comments regarding the homosexual community, made demeaning comments regarding women, and painted a bleak picture of mental illness with no sense of hope. However, I don't know if it could have been done any differently because of the character and subject matter. I do feel it did what it set out to do very well, but can not say there are many people I would suggest watch it.