'Filth' Film Review

It’s not often that a single film can make a person feel so many contrasting emotions in the space of 97 minutes; amusement, disgust, compassion, heartbreak and a healthy dose of “what the hell am I seeing”? No film before 2013’s Filth has ever left me feeling so emotionally manipulated and conflicted, as the same cheeks that were hurting from laughing are now also stained with mascara-tinted tears.

I don’t know what it was that drew me to Filth while I was absentmindedly scrolling through Netflix at 2am on a summer Thursday night, when I should have been trying to fix the horrendous sleeping pattern I’d dug myself into throughout August. Maybe it was the bright yellow poster of a policeman riding a pig, maybe it was simply the fact that Netflix recommended it to me, or maybe it was me just wanting to stare at James McAvoy until I fell asleep. Regardless, I went into Filth knowing little about it, unsure of what I’d find but curious as to why Netflix was incessantly moving it to the top of my list.

I’m just going to say it now before anything more: I loved absolutely everything about this film. But as much as I loved this film and now cite it as my favourite film of all time, I recognise that Filth is not for everyone, particularly not those with a weak stomach or who are easily offended. It is not Filth’s premise that is so hard to swallow – the story of Bruce Robertson, a cocky, arrogant and downright revolting police officer vying for a promotion above the rest of his colleagues before the Christmas season passes. It is the way that James McAvoy so wonderfully interprets the character of Bruce, in a role that I would argue is his best performance to date (yes, better than Split). Filth solidified McAvoy as my favourite actor; he gives himself entirely to this role, and is obviously completely unconcerned with public opinion or backlash he may receive for audience members who cannot differentiate actor from character. McAvoy’s performance is a clear example of someone who has done their research – his portrayal of Bruce is equal parts disgusting as it is heart-wrenching. Bruce’s borderline psychopathic manipulation of his peers, his sexual obsessions and the way he uses and abuses the man he calls his best friend would, if shown by any other actor, leave the audience begging for him to be punished and to suffer the consequences of his actions.

The work by acclaimed cinematographer Matthew Jensen, known for larger productions such as Wonder Woman and Game of Thrones, is simply outstanding, as the attention to detail in each shot has been clearly considered. The film looks fantastic with its garish colours and delightfully tight shots, and the cool blues that tinge the entirety of the film really help to reinforce the feeling of dread that slowly creeps over you when you watch it, and is used as a visual signifier of the darker moments in the film. Considering how many believed the source material, Irvine Welsh’s book also named Filth, was “unfilmable”, everyone who worked on this film did an incredible job of translating it for the screen. The narrative is fast-paced, focused and exhilarating while revealing, little by little, the truth about Bruce’s past and why the aforementioned promotion is so important to him.

One thing to note is that the film never tries to justify or excuse Bruce’s behaviour, rather, it shows the level to which he drives away the people he loves who are all trying to escape his abuse. But there’s just something about him, something so fundamentally human, something so pathetic and vulnerable that McAvoy encapsulates that by the end of the film left me desperately sad for Bruce. There is a significant tonal shift towards the film’s final act which some audiences may find jarring, but actually perfectly represents Bruce’s downward spiral into madness and suicidal depression. In the end, the real tragedy of the film is not found in Bruce’s treatment of others. They all move on and escape his grip, leaving Bruce to treat himself as the filth he perceived his peers to be.

In summary, I find it very difficult not to enjoy films that are so unashamedly politically incorrect while creating realistic and meaningful characters that convey important messages about what we value in each other, how we treat others, and the filth that hides beneath the surface. Filth takes you on an emotional rollercoaster on the mean streets of Edinburgh and doesn’t let you off until long after the credits have rolled (the credits themselves are worth watching, if only for the comic relief that is so sorely needed after such an emotional final act). If you're bored of the Hollywood blockbusters that tell the same story again and again, and want to experience a gritty, harsh look at the perception of the police force while laughing and crying at an incredible showcase of acting talent, then Filth is most likely what you've been looking for.

Same rules apply.

5/5 Stars.