- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
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4 out of 5
Shifty is a welcome antidote to a long line of British urban dramas that veer dangerously close to celebrating the youth culture of drugs and violence they portray. In the title role, Riz Ahmed (Four Lions, Ill Manors) isn't just a drug-dealing thug, but a bright, warm character who has strayed into a life of crime rather than choosing it. His sense of alienation relates to his friendship with Chris (Daniel Mays), a seemingly well-adjusted young man who returns to their suburban stomping ground after four years away. Initially, the reason for his absence creates a wedge between them, but what really makes the film work is the underlying strength of their bond and the renewal of that friendship. Debuting writer/director Eran Creevy resists the usual flashiness associated with the genre to keep the focus squarely on the actors, and it's that lightness of touch that makes the story so poignant.
Plot Summary
Crime drama starring Riz Ahmed and Daniel Mays. After four years working in Manchester, Chris visits his old stomping ground on a London estate. He meets up with his drug-dealing best friend Shifty, but Shifty has moved on from just selling weed and is now involved in hardcore drugs, and with that comes danger.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Shifty
- Rizwan Ahmed
- Chris
- Daniel Mays
- Glen
- Jason Flemyng
- Rez
- Nitin Ganatra
- Trevor
- Jay Simpson
- Jasmine
- Dannielle Brent
- Valerie
- Francesca Annis
- Loretta
- Kate Groombridge
- Malik
- Jason Maza
- Lenny
- Jordan Long
Crew
- Director
- Eran Creevy
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