NEDS

What the fuck are you lookin' at? Did I say you could read my review? Did I?

The Non-Educated Delinquent: aggressive, confrontational, relentlessly pressing for a slip of the tongue that’ll seal you a hiding. It’s usually desirable to avoid behaviour of this nature, but miss out on NEDS and you’ll be kicking yourself. Set in 1970s Glasgow, Peter Mullan’s semi-autobiographical film tells the story of young John McGill (played by Conor McCarron in an incredible debut) and his psychological breakdown culminating in extreme violence.

John, a swotty teacher's pet, seems set for a bright future despite troubles at home, chiefly his angry drunk father (a chilling Mullan). Upon turning fifteen, however, he is increasingly pushed in the direction of delinquency and brutal gang culture.

Tower block lessons in territorial dogma replace conventional schooling and John begins to snap. An uncompromising work that bravely blends gritty realism with fantastic flourishes, it asks: If you cross a line is there any way back to the straight and narrow?