Directed by: Paddy Considine
Staring: Olivia Colman, Peter Mullan and Eddie Marsan
Paddy Considine is best known as an actor (Red Riding and Submarine) and this film is his first as a director. It is an uncompromising look at life on a tough estate similar to the one where he grew up. An angry unemployed widower Joseph (Mullan) finally realises that he needs help after a disturbing incident when he kills his own dog. He is taken under the wing of kindly Christian charity shop worker Hannah (Colman). However, Hannah has her own dark secret which is revealed as the story progresses as well as the meaning of the film’s metaphorical title. The film has won numerous awards despite missing out on widespread distribution. Olivia Colman was awarded Best Actress jointly with Tilda Swinton (see April) for her role.