Hidden Movie Gem: “Shifty”

Today’s Hidden Movie Gem guest post comes from Robert Moniot.

Movie Title: Shifty

Year: 2008

Writer/Director: Eran Creevy

Lead Actors: Riz Ahmed and Daniel Mays

Plot Summary: Shifty, a young crack cocaine dealer in London, sees his life quickly spiral out of control when his best friend returns home. Stalked by a customer desperate to score at all costs, and with his family about to turn their back on him for good, Shifty must out-run and out-smart a rival drug dealer, intent on setting him up for a big fall. As his long time friend Chris, confronts the dark past he left behind him, Shifty is forced to face up to the violent future he’s hurtling towards.

Why I Think This Movie Is A Hidden Gem: There seems to have been a flood of “Suburban crime” movies from the UK in the last few years — the subject matter is tailor-made for low budget independent films — but SHIFTY for me is different, and better. It doesn’t resort to blazing guns or Guy Ritchie-esque camera work to try and elevate itself. Instead, it relies on the relationship between the two characters to mine the drama. It’s a small, quiet story that unfolds and builds in a very satisfying way. At least it did for me.

My Favorite Moment In The Movie: When the two men (and childhood friends) play together on a playground…so much said about their relationship here without saying anything at all.

My Favorite Dialogue In the Movie: (After Shifty’s older brother, a devout Muslim, discovers that his kid brother is a dealer) “You bring drugs into my house? The house that I pray in?!”

Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: As you watch the relationship and chemistry between the two leads, remember this was a first time writer/director shooting on a minuscule budget. Shows what can be done.

Movie Trailer:

Thanks, Robert! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!

Tomorrow: Another Hidden Movie Gem!

Note: We filled up the month of October, so I don’t need any more guest posts. Thanks to everyone who participated!