Opened: September 23, 2013

Directed by: Jon S. Baird

Starring: James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan, Imogen Poots, Brian McCardie, Emun Elliott, Gary Lewis, John Sessions, Shauna Macdonald, Jim Broadbent, Joanne Froggatt, Kate Dickie, Martin Compston, Ian De Caestecker & Shirley Henderson

With a shockingly entertaining lead character, crude language and sexual acts, Filth brilliantly lives up to its title – though it’s not for the faint of heart.

Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy) loves to cause chaos and pulls tricks on his colleagues and friends while he’s drunk and high – or fooling around. He’s looking to be promoted to Detective Investigator when he’s put in charge of a murder case, but his hallucinations continue getting worse.

McAvoy brilliantly gives Bruce depth. While he could just be an egregious character, McAvoy is likable and allows for some restrained emotional moments, especially when Bruce encounters a young widow named Mary (Joanne Froggatt).

The screenplay makes the film move fast, so you must pay attention to the shenanigans, but the wild ride is worth it through the final moment.

Final say: A beautiful disaster. ★★★★☆