Heaped with awards for acting and direction at Sundance, this feature debut behind the camera for actor Paddy Considine immediately establishes him as a cinematic force to be reckoned with. The opening sequence certainly sets the tone, as aggressive drunk Peter Mullan kills his own dog in an act of senseless rage. Is there any humanity left in this damaged individual? It’s a question the rest of the story sets out to answer as widower Mullan is faced with the sobering plight of charity shop worker Olivia Colman, a kindly soul whose traumatic home life causes Mullan to examine his own dark past. Considine is compassionate enough to see the potential for redemption in these troubled characters, but he also offers an unblinking view of the male facility for covering vulnerability with violence. His camera is patient and refuses to sensationalise, the cast is award-worthy – especially the valiant Colman, known thus far for TV comedy – and the overall result tough yet ultimately rewarding. (Notes by Trevor Johnston).<