Three Second Review: Filth

Filth (2013, Directed by Jon S. Baird) ★★★★

Based on the relentlessly grotty novel by Irving Welsh, Filth earns its title (and it’s R18 sticker) in every imaginable way.

Following the unscrupulous fortunes and lascivious passions of rotten Edinburgh cop Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), you’ll see things you cannot unsee. And possibly need a hot bath and a lie down to recover from, too.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect is “human sunbeam” MacAvoy’s descent into the bowls of character acting hell to deliver a performance of such gut-churning vileness you’re unlikely to ever look at him the same again.

Compelling, if rough viewing.