Dirty God

When a beautiful young woman has acid thrown in her face, what does it do to her sense of self? This is the key question in this intoxicating 21st century London drama. The film is reminiscent of Andrea Arnold's work. All the scars (literally) are laid bare. This is no redemptive story but Jade does grow. And the journey is moving and cathartic.

This was one of the most depressing films I have ever watched. I can relate to pain, loss, neglect and abandonment like few others but this film gave me nothing in the way of hope, inspiration or anything to latch on to. I truly believe the horror that this poor girl suffered was overdone in the film and perhaps the director was trying to force empathy on the viewer but instead I was left feeling emotionally depleted, angry, sad and as I said, without hope. A better director with a better script could have made this film far more impactful. I give it a four for excellent acting performances throughout. I would warn people beforehand that this film might leave you feeling worse off at the end than the beginning, and anyone suffering from any serious form of mental health issues should perhaps avoid this film.

All very bleak particulary the shots of London and her enviroment but the lead actress was outstanding in the role. In all she had to do to carry the movie she was just brilliant.

Vicky Knight does a good job here making you feel what it is like to literally lose your face. Screenplay and direction help her to create a character, that maintains its dark sides even when everything is ready for pure compassion. Not on the light side, but worth watching.

Imagine a 45 minute TV documentary set on a UK Council Estate, padded out with an extra hour of tedium, and you have this 'masterpiece'. A depressing, boring drama with unpleasant characters does not equate to great cinema. Yes, it is realistic and authentic with the surroundings and behavior but it's also an endurance test to watch to the end. Drastic cutting might make this film more bearable, but watch if you enjoy depressing scenes interrupted by endless shots of walking and staring.

Being acidated by a cruel friend, the story is sparse on the matter, its more the tough psychological fight it is to look different at a young age . the burn scars sticks deep, and even deeper than people around her can understand. choosing to wear a burka to avoid people to see the scars, and doing the sex online on the internet doesnt make matters easier. its a film about being made estranged to your surroundings, and the lack of real support is like a major acidosis. the acting are plain, but not developing, and just stays sad and at times extreme childish. the make up deartment has done a good job on the wound parts, and the score makes this film afloat. but allover it is a very sad and gloomy story, with a raw british realism attached to it, so the grumpy old man recommends it to all that can stay in for 100 mins of heavy psychosocial realism. its not a rewind for me though.

Built around a caustic, corrosive culture and society - British film, storytelling, at its most powerful and thought provoking best. Great performances all round, especially from the outstanding Vicky Knight, whose character resists letting her appearance define her, bravely trying to be a a regular teenager and forging her own path in the world, albeit with minimal help and support.