Sex, Lies & Depravity

This is the first movie I've ever watched on "Amazon Prime" that not only wasn't awful - it was actually totally engrossing and thought-provoking. I especially loved Hannah's accent, and Ethan's boyfriend. The actress who plays Lisa is particularly good, but all of the acting is vastly superior to what one typically finds in a low-budget film. (Or even most high-budget films, for that matter!) Anyone with personal experience of living in a home where domestic violence is the norm, will agree that the scenes between Hannah and Jake are disturbingly realistic. Very well done. I do concur with the other reviewers who have commented that the script could have benefitted from some tighter editing. I also felt that Arran's Jekyll-and-Hyde-like behavior in his interactions with Julie didn't ring true. It's hard to say if this is due to the acting, or the writing. Aside from these minor issues, this is a well-written and brilliantly-executed movie that held my attention from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

I am an American and I thought I was watching characters more apt to live in American slums. Only the lowest of the low talk filth to their kids. Yes...its' part of the human experience, BUT it's not something that's part of normal people's lives. So what we see in this movie are pathetic, unlikable characters representing the worst human traits possible. I come from white trash, so I've seen these types of people first hand. Have an alcoholic, narcissistic brother who actually screamed at our mother, lying postop in the hospital from open heart, that he wished she were dead. Serious mental problems do exist, but I don't need to see them on my 65 incher.

The plot is good, but you have to concentrate to follow it as its very subtle in places. Some very good acting from new people but than some very bad acting in parts. Sound and editing needs attention as it comes across RAW. The story line for me is good, hard hitting but found it too gratuitous and long in parts. I was not offended in any way regards to the gay sex scenes, but found them too long, sometimes less is more to make a point. The sound track of this film is very original and awesome. Overall i think if the sound was fixed regarding background noise (which is too Loud) and the editing is fixed regarding where scenes are cut too late, shorten the gay scenes as the length tends to make people uncomfortable, then the overall presentation of the film would be on par with what people see in the general quality of productions. There are very good points made in the plot but some scenes i did not get e.g the ice skating which i felt was a distraction and no idea why its there.

Really well written film.

I felt majority of the acting was great and the lines were delivered with the emotion needed for such a heavy topic.

The directing was good, and gave the movie a sort of grungy feel to it, appropriate for portraying the lives of such problematic young adults.

I thought it was very clever the way the movie was written so that all of the characters were involved somehow in the same circle.

The music was well chosen, the soundtrack is very good.

For a low budget and independent film, I thought a fantastic job was done in most aspects.

Okay - first let's make this clear. This ISN'T a 'blockbuster', full of special effects. There are no STAR NAMES (although some stellar performances), the sound / film quality is patchy in places and this has the feel of a true piece of independent film making.

AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT WORK.

A love story, based in the reality of the world that exists but isn't really talked about. The friendships and relationships that make us who we are (or at least make the characters who they are) and govern the lives we end up living. The overwhelming waves of s**t that roll over large groups within our communities - all life is here! Telling the story of two friends, with 'flashbacks' to childhood (and excellent performances from the young actors), alongside those they come into contact with, this is an uncompromising look at life in our inner cities.

There are some elements that will improve as the team behind this film progress - random ice skaters, some additional editing and a somewhat gratuitous sex scene at the end (although they seemed to be having fun!) are small points, but the experience would benefit from a tighter, more focused approach. Performances from the actors (all local, all young(ish), all new to the business) ALL had something to commend them, with some stand out performances and roles.

Overall, this is a film with much to commend it. The issues raised, the impact of societal ignorance / avoidance of the reality of the world (mental ill health, domestic abuse, drug / alcohol, the helplessness and hopelessness) for many and the portrayal of a descent into self destruct are all excellent. Worth a watch, if only to see the talent and determination of a group of young people to bring their vision to the screen.