Filth (2013) – Review

Edinburgh police detective Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy – X-Men: Days of Future Past) is after the promotion of a lifetime. This sergeant is nothing short of a bad lieutenant; however his problems extend much farther from on-the-job.

Based on the novel from Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting), Bruce is a drug using, alcohol addicted sex fiend on the case that could make a detective’s career, to which Bruce is placed in charge of. The case in question is that of the murder of a Japanese exchange student. With the angst of the promotion looming ahead of Bruce, he will do anything to make sure his destiny comes to light.

He schemes and toys with his fellow detectives, (Jamie Bell, Imogen Poots, Eddie Marsan) straining their personal and professional lives, finding any weak spot that can effect his fellow officers. For two of his fellow officers, he finds their weaknesses in their wives, engaging one of them physically and the other psychologically.

Amidst the case Bruce is working, he is also working on winning back his ex-wife Carole, and their daughter. There is plenty going on in Bruce’s head. Most of which is told to us, the rest is shown through Bruce’s hallucinations. With a soundtrack composed by Clint Mansell adds a certain gravitas to the film, in addition to the Christmas carols.

The film is perfect mixture of vulgarity and civility. Director Jon S. Baird delivers characters that are both crass and refined to give us a filthy movie.