Review of Filth (2013) by Alan W — 06 Oct 2013

Wonderfully twisted and original (except for one or two more obvious but forgiveable plot twists that are signposted a little clumsily) I find myself cheering on the film in spite of its rather distasteful subject matter.

Maybe it is because I do admire the writer-director not taking the easy way out; confronting the material head-on, unflinchly and refuses to succumb to what perhaps a more mainstream audience would want or expect - and come out making more sense narratively and logically than its other more conventional counterparts.

Or it could be the equally effective and unflinching performance of McAvoy which takes the role and imbues it with equal parts humour and nastiness, making this a truly transforming and memorable turn showing not only his range but how intelligent and nuanced he can be when given the right material.

It isn't (and shouldn't) be everyone's cup of tea but this kind of variety and diversity should be encouraged and supported in our increasingly homogeneous film world.