Shallow Grave - Review

"But Juliet, you're a doctor. You kill people every day" – A review of Shallow Grave. 

I love dark comedy and I love thrillers, so it's no surprise that I love Shallow Grave. Directed by Danny Boyle and released in 1995, the crime-thriller is full of brilliant performances, witty writing and absolutely brilliant direction.

When three friends – David, Juliet and Alex – are looking for a fourth housemate for their flat, they interview and decide on Hugo, a seemingly quiet man. However, they're in for more than they bargained for; they discover Hugo dead of a drug overdose, his body next to a lot of money. It doesn't take much deliberation before the three decide to keep the money themselves and dismember the body – but soon, each of them begins to ponder the possibility of keeping all of the cash for themselves and scamming the others.

This is such an entertaining and thought provoking film. It explores complex themes, such as greed, betrayal, morality and paranoia all whilst still remaining remarkably funny in places. Each of the three main characters believe themselves to be smarter than everyone else, and you watch as money threatens to destroy their friendship and their lives. The three descend into isolation and paranoia, and it's absolutely fascinating to watch happen.

I love the dark comedy of the film too. You see the juxtaposition between the gruesome and the aesthetic – seeing characters dismember a body and then going on a wild shopping spree – and the whole feel is so casual and detached that it leans into absurdist comedy, which I absolutely love.

There is a brilliant cast too – Ewan McGregor plays Alex, an arrogant journalist, and he comes across as energetic, charismatic but superficial. Christopher Eccleston is David, an uptight accountant, and his performance is perhaps my favourite of the film – the change from being reserved to obsessive and increasingly unhinged is incredible to watch. Kerry Fox is also remarkable as Juliet, a witty doctor with a quiet intelligence but ruthless edge to her, and together the trio have so much on-screen chemistry that they're hypnotic to watch.

This is an absolute masterpiece of a film. If you enjoy witty dialogue, incredible performances, and a story that'll stay with you long after the credits' role, you are sure to love this film.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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