iLL Manors

"Already impressing as both a musician and an actor, Ben 'Plan B' Drew cracks his directorial knuckles with this feature debut – a British crime chronicle that smashes together the lives of four drug dealers, a drug abuser and two sex workers. Unapologetic in its portrayal of London street life, it’s impossible not to be disgusted at the nature of the characters presented, such as the dealer who cheaply whores out a prostitute based on the thin accusation that she owes him a phone, or the gangbanger who intimidates a young lad into doing his dirty work. It’s about as flattering to London as City of God was to Brazil."

"Platinum music artist Ben Drew makes an auspicious feature."

"Wringing tortured turns from a cast of unknowns, Drew has things to say - and he mostly says them well."

"There are plenty of flaws here, but instinctively feels important - like some British films of the 1980s ('Meantime', 'Scum') that spoke of a generation out of work and out of hope."

"It turns out to be disappointingly and determinedly apolitical, while the lairy characters and situations look increasingly forced, derivative and unconvincing, with a touch of Guy Ritchie."

"A guttural call from a place that, for most of us, remains as remote as a jungle."

"An impressively mature and technically assured work."

"It may be slow in parts and its heart-sinking scenarios won't fill you with cheer, but it has bags of style and a terrific soundtrack from promising debut director Drew."