The Violators

Another reviewer has captured exactly why The Violators is worth viewing with the comment it is "for lovers of film". This is brilliant story telling brought together by the sounds and movement of film. There are twists and turns, delicate moments, subtleties by the film maker all of which which require your full attention. I was glad to be confused. It encouraged me to absorb all the elements of the film - characters, dialogue, set, locations, and the broader social issues being presented. Very glad to have watched the film. The cast deliver the story superbly, it is wonderful acting, they are authentic. Important to note the setting in and around Liverpool and Merseyside is crucial, it brings with it an authenticity. Refreshingly far from typical London centric of so many films. The Violators is modern British story telling delivered by the medium of film.

Sometimes hard to watch but also a must see. Addressing real issues happening right now. Great acting too.

Bleak, northern and touching, Helen Walsh's directorial debut works because it's a story of making do when the odds are stacked against you. Shelly, played superbly by Lauren McQueen is objectified sexually by the characters and the camera, and it really works as we know that everyone is after exploiting her.The cast of this film are all excellent, Brogan Ellis, Liam Ainsworth, Stephen Lord and the supporting cast all deliver in an understated way. It's a slow burner, but paced just right as it steers us towards a taught climax. The acting is naturalistic and believable. The younger cast members, in my opinion are all going to go onto great things and their performances in this lovely film are handled well by the director.

The copy and paste production of yet another damp and depressing drama that sticks religiously to the same old worn out story of poverty and sorrow. The painfully slow pace. The lack of any highlights. The unimaginative dialogue.

The sad fact is that you will sit through this hoping it goes somewhere new and intelligent, just to realise that it has nothing to say. To say the end was an anti-climax would be a huge understatement.

But the two actresses did have something about them. Their casting being the single positive thing. It is just a pity that there was nothing here for them to show off their talents.

So just add this to the big pile of 'indie' disappointments that do nothing but depress the hell out of you. Not recommended.

A compelling, gritty drama. Visuals are great and the acting is superb!