Hard Candy

Having met over the internet, supposedly naive 14 year-old Hayley (Page) convinces the 32 year-old possible paedophile Jeff (Wilson) to take her back to his place to photograph her. The flirting continues and alcohol flows until suddenly Jeff finds himself trapped and at the mercy of his prey. You won't find any toothaches here; David Slade's 'Hard Candy' is a gripping yet basic psychological thriller. With Page and Wilson delivering pulse-quickening performances (reminiscent of those seen in 'Misery'), 'Hard Candy' is a simple revenge story told very effectively. For strong stomachs, it's a sugar rush to the end. [Megan Garriock]