Villain

Name: Villain
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: May 22, 2020
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Craig Fairbrass, Eloise Lovell Anderson, George Russo, Izuka Hoyle, Jade Asha

2020

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 4 Ratings

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6.0

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6.0	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 4 Ratings

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Villain

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Movie Details & Credits

Saban Films | Release Date (Streaming): May 22, 2020 | R

Starring: Craig Fairbrass, Eloise Lovell Anderson, George Russo, Izuka Hoyle, Jade Asha, Jennifer Matter, Lauryn Ajufo, Mark Monero, Michael John Treanor, Nicholas Aaron, Robert Glenister, Taz Skylar, Tomi May

Summary: After being released from prison, ex-con Eddie Franks (Craig Fairbrass) wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, his dreams of normalcy are tested when he learns of his brother's dangerous debt to a menacing drug lord. To protect his family, Eddie is forced to go back to his former life of crime and learns that stepping backAfter being released from prison, ex-con Eddie Franks (Craig Fairbrass) wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, his dreams of normalcy are tested when he learns of his brother's dangerous debt to a menacing drug lord. To protect his family, Eddie is forced to go back to his former life of crime and learns that stepping back into this world can have devastating consequences.… Expand

Director: Philip Barantini

Genre(s): Action, Drama, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 97 min

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Critic Reviews

Chris Waywell

May 21, 2020

At first glance, actor-turned-director Philip Barantini’s Villain looks like a box-ticking exercise in Laandan gangsterism. But it’s not. By playing it completely straight, it avoids campy Guy Ritchie clichés. Read full review

Jeannette Catsoulis

May 21, 2020

The result is an exceedingly well-made first feature, a simple genre movie elevated by strong visuals, potent performances and a mood that falls somewhere between resignation and guttering hope. Read full review

Frank Scheck

May 21, 2020

To say it's unoriginal is an understatement. Nonetheless, Villain exerts a powerful pull, thanks both to the effective use of gritty East London locations and the terrific lead performance by Craig Fairbrass, displaying his intimidating physical presence and simmering, low-key charisma. The veteran actor keeps the film percolating despite its overfamiliar aspects. Read full review

Dennis Harvey

May 22, 2020

Actor Philip Barantini’s first directorial feature is nothing wildly original in content or style. Still, it punches both elements across with a satisfying low-key confidence, and does not shrink from occasionally letting things get pretty rough. Read full review

The Guardian Leslie Felperin

May 21, 2020

Sometimes a seemingly unprepossessing genre film comes along that has finer qualities than you would expect. Such is the case here. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Simon Abrams

May 22, 2020

Villain is the kind of stiflingly reverent genre picture that is so beholden to its main characters’ pity-me worldview that its predictably downbeat ending feels like the kind of hero worship that you often find in either a cloying biopic or a hidebound true crime adaptation. Read full review

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User Reviews

filmneek

Dec 27, 2021

Outstanding performances, beautifully shot, hard-hitting crime drama with a surprisingly deep portrayal of family life impacted by London's underbelly. A must watch and welcome reminder of the artistry of British cinema.

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YorkMan

May 26, 2020

Craig Fairbrass sells his soul and stars in yet ANOTHER Mockney gangster film.

This time he's Eddie, fresh out of a Ten year stretch and promising to keep it on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately his younger brother Sean has got into debt with some local nasties, has pretty much drivenCraig Fairbrass sells his soul and stars in yet ANOTHER Mockney gangster film.

This time he's Eddie, fresh out of a Ten year stretch and promising to keep it on the straight and narrow.
Unfortunately his younger brother Sean has got into debt with some local nasties, has pretty much driven the family boozer into the ground, and snorts any potential profits up his nose along with his live in girlfriend.
Eddie starts off well-meaning. Tries to make it all work with his brother, as well as his estranged daughter Chloe and his infant grandson.

But of course it all goes pear-shaped in a hurry, and Eddie has to sort things out the only way he knows how.

This is a film which is lifted by a decent bit of acting from the main cast, but is let down by a very weak script and little in the way of drama. We all know exactly where the film will end up, and it's not much fun getting there.

It's worth a watch, but it's not going to make you want to watch it again in a hurry!… Expand

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