Plot: What’s it about?
What you do if you found a suitcase packed with cash and your antisocial roommate’s corpse locked in the bedroom? If you’re Juliet, David, and Alex, you decide to keep the money, and get rid of the body once and for all. When their new, introverted roommate doesn’t emerge into the outside world for quite a while, the three decide it’s time to see what the problem is, and kick the door open. They discover why the roommate hasn’t left for a few days, the roommate has died of a drug overdose. But the corpse isn’t alone in the room, as a suitcase full of cold, hard cash also rests in the room. The temptation proves too strong, and three opt to keep the cash and stash the stiff. While the concept seems easy enough, it’s just not that simple, and hiding a body can be downright impossible, as these friends soon discover. No matter how hard they try, they can’t seem to seal the deal, and the body remains an issue. As they finally put the dead to rest, they leave a sloppy trail behind them, and the police aren’t the only ones after the friends. A couple of thugs, eager to get their mitts on the money as well, are also involved, and as the tension mounts, the friends begin to doubt even one another! With more and more people ending up on the wrong side of the daisies, who can the friends trust, if not each other?
This is a very well crafted thriller, which is all the more impressive when you consider the low budget origins it came from. While it may not be as flashy as some higher profile flicks, this movie has what matters, substance. The main thing that makes this movie work is the chemistry of the cast, which fuels the tension between them late in the film. This is due not only to the talented actors involved, but also the writing and directing, which steers the performers in the right direction. According to the production notes, this idea of cohesiveness was so important to the director, that during rehearsals, the cast and crew lived together in a rented flat. I recommend this movie very highly, especially to fans of the suspense/thriller genre, and although the disc is merely a reissue of the old Polygram release, it still makes a worthwhile purchase.
The cast for Shallow Grave is very talented, and is a primary reason the film works so well. The performers that portray the three friends have intense chemistry, which really drives the movie’s tone and theme. All three were young and hungry when the film was made, and it shows with their raw and powerful turns. Before Ewan McGregor was in Trainspotting or The Phantom Menace, he was here, and his acting was solid even at this time. McGregor (Rogue Trader, Brassed Off) gives a fine performance here, and this is the role that first got him some press. Christopher Eccleston (A Price Above Rubies, Jude) and Kerry Fox (The Affair, The Hanging Garden) give excellent turns here also, and the three combine for the movie’s heart and soul. The supporting cast includes Colin McCredie, Keith Allen (Loch Ness, Captives), and Ken Stott (The Boxer).On an interesting note, the writer of Shallow Grave, John Hodge, appears as a detective in the film.
Video: How does it look?
Shallow Grave is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. This appears to be the same transfer used for the Polygram release, and it stands up well. Due to it’s low budget origins, the print shows some wear signs, such as flecks and nicks, but nothing serious. Colors are presented in a natural spectrum, and are free from any problems. Contrast levels are accurate, with high detail visible and natural shadow depth. A few scenes are a little on the dark side, but on the whole, the contrast is accurate. I noticed some brief shimmering, but no other compression errors.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio in this movie is not high impact, so the included surround track is good enough. The effects are at a minimum, and the music takes the cake as far as active elements. Dialogue is the main ingredient in this recipe, and it arrives in top form, with no volume issues and high grade clarity.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The disc includes the theatrical trailer as well as some production notes on the case’s insert booklet.
