Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
When David, Juliet, and Alex find their new roommate dead with a large sum of money, they agree to hide the body and keep the cash. However, this newfound fortune gradually corrodes their friendship.
Boyle's debut is a tight, stylish neo-noir thriller with striking Edinburgh photography and inventive visual compositions that punch well above its budget. The cinematography—with its bold angles, stark lighting, and inventive framing—is genuinely exceptional for a low-budget British debut. The plot is a well-executed but fairly conventional 'money corrupts' thriller, and the three leads (McGregor, Fox, Bird) deliver sharp, convincing performances without quite reaching memorable heights. The dark comedy tone is well-sustained but the premise itself isn't wildly original. The ending is satisfyingly bleak and fitting but not surprising given the genre conventions at play.