GFF 2010: Down Terrace

Ex-hippy and reluctant crime boss Bill (Robert Hill) presides over his kingdom from the comfort of his home. When his disappointing son Karl (Robin Hill) is released from prison and pregnant ex-girlfriend Valda (Kerry Peacock) turns up, the task of uncovering a rat within their cosy organisation is hampered. Suspects dip in and out of the house, The Royale Family style, giving the film some kitchen sink style humour undercut with a sinister tone that spikes with sporadic violence. From this clash between horrific and mundane, director Ben Wheatley finds moments of dark comic genius. The acting is impressive too: Bill is an unsettling mix between Terence Stamp and Sting, yet it’s psychotic mum Maggie (Julia Deakin from Spaced) that’s unveiled as the real brains behind the organisation and star of the film. As family secrets surface, it becomes clear the underestimated Karl may be more like his mum than anyone dared imagine.