Movie Review: Trespass Against Us (Lights, Camera, Action!)

Trespass Against Us (UK Rating: 15)

Now, the less good news: Gleeson and Fassbender never really convince as father and son, or as Gloucestershire travellers, for that matter, what with their looks, as well as accents that travel back and fro from West Country to Irish. Well, those watching will know what Gleeson's son would actually look like - Domhnall Gleeson - and Fassbender doesn't really fit the bill. They do play their roles brilliantly, though. They are certainly the show main event, and it is one mesmerising attraction.

The description of the film is that 'a man looks to find a way to escape the criminal ways of his outlaw family,' but the actual movie doesn't give out that vibe at all. He just loves the criminal ways, especially if that involves taunting idiot copper, PC Lovage (a hammy Rory Kinnear - Lettice not being available, presumably).

After quite some while, in a short-ish film that fails to suggest where it might be heading, a plot of a kind sets in, as the extended family break into the county boss' stately home and pinch stately stuff. This… gets them in trouble with the police, and PC Lovage, particularly, is not amused.

Chad may be looking to find a way to escape the criminal ways, but only when it is far too late. Yes, he would like to help his girlfriend, Kelly (Lyndsey Marshal), and their two kids, Tyson (Georgie Smith) and Mini (Kacie Anderson), to break free from their poor life and do… well, who knows exactly?

Trespass Against Us provides a situation, a premise, and involving characters played thrillingly, and some astounding dialogue by Alastair Siddons that is both shocking and funny. It does not offer a story, however. None of this is anything particularly new, yet it is acted and directed in the most exciting fashion by Adam Smith in his promising feature debut.

6/10

Good

Trespass Against Us is a very in-your-face sort of movie. Although it has a 15 certificate, the language and violent lawless behaviour are far stronger than comfort level, and Harris shows off far more than viewers really need to see. However, it's all much preferable to one of those period set movies that make up so much of British cinema nowadays, and audiences can certainly look forward to the next work from Smith and Siddons.