After testifying against her abusive father, Shelly (15), finds herself rehoused on a sink estate she can barely call home. A petty thief, Shelly spends her days roaming the estate and docklands in search of opportunities.
When she attracts the attention of estate loan shark and groomer, Mikey Finnegan (40), Shelly finds herself thrust under the watchful gaze of a mysterious stranger, Rachel (17). As Shelly's relationship with Mikey develops, so does Rachel's fixation with Shelly. The shock-revelation that Shelly's father is to be given early parole forces Shelly to make a decision that will alter the fates of all three of them - forever.
Set amid the desolate beauty of a post-industrial wasteland, The Violators is a meditation on the meaning of home, and the potency and fragility of young girls' sexuality.
Starring: Lauren McQueen, Brogan Ellis, Stephen Lord, Liam Ainsworth
Directed by Helen Walsh, Produced by David A Hughes and David Moores, Executive Producer – Kevin Sampson
“Ballsy, bruising, brilliant directorial debut... it’s time to start thinking about the best films of 2016, and The Violators is comfortably up there.”
"Impressive… credible… fascinating”
"A powerful debut”
“Stern, striking debut"
“Walsh and cinematographer Tobin Jones milk maximum sensory effect from minimal ingredients”
"Helen Walsh has concocted one of the most insightful and searing youth dramas which is up there with the likes of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and HEAVENLY CREATURES with her feature THE VIOLATORS… One of the best and most telling British film experiences of 2016.”
"Not only one of the best movies made by a novelist, but one of 2016's best British movies, boasting one of the year's finest central performances to boot”
“Helen Walsh certainly has an eye for talent. Her two leads, both newcomers, are utterly assured in a story that feels like a cross between My Summer of Love, Winter’s Bone and Fish Tank… Brogan Ellis could be the next Anne-Marie Duff. She’s that good.”
“This film ticks radioactively with unease”
“Novelist Walsh’s debut feature has a very striking central performance and several powerful scenes that rekindle memories both of Alan Clarke’s work and of some of Andrea Arnold’s films.”
“An accomplished directorial debut.”
“With its standout performances, gorgeous cinematography and its unflinching portrayal of some of the worst experiences that being a teenager can offer, this dark slice of contemporary British drama deserves some serious attention”
“Tough, tense debut”
“[The Violators] is anchored by McQueen’s terrific performance in her debut feature”
“Walsh’s ability to conjure electric sensuality out of compromised situations is disquieting and fascinating”
“The Violators delivers what it promises, by no means shying away from dark moments. And yet Shelly is never a victim, and I have never felt so empowered by a film about sexual abuse… A dazzling debut from both director Helen Walsh and lead Lauren McQueen”
BAFTA BREAKTHROUGH BRIT 2016 - Helen Walsh
BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS (BIFA) 2015 - Nominated for Producer of the Year, David A Hughes & David Moores
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EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film & Best Performance in a British Feature Film
KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for Independent Camera Award
DINARD BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for the Golden Hitchcock Award
FILM FEST GENT 2015 - Nominated for the EXPLORE Award
ST LAWRENCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for Best Narrative Feature Award
UNDERWIRE FESTIVAL, LONDON 2015
TALLINN BLACK NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for the Just Film Award
PANORAMA OF EUROPEAN CINEMA, ATHENS 2015 - Nominated for the FIPRESCI Prize
CINEDAYS FESTIVAL OF EUROPEAN FILM, SKOPJE 2015 - Nominated for the Golden Star Award for Best Film, Silver Star Award for Best Director & Blue Star Award for Best Screenplay
TBILISI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Nominated for the Golden Prometheus Award for Best Film & Silver Prometheus Award for Best Director
NORTH WALES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016 - WON Best UK Feature Film & WON Best Actress, Lauren McQueen
KESWICK FILM FESTIVAL 2016
CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016 - Nominated for the ReelWomenDirect Award for Excellence in Directing by a Woman
STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JUNIOR 2016 - Nominated for Bronze Horse Award for Best Film 11+
NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL 2016 - WON Special Jury Prize – Best Actress, Brogan Ellis and Lauren McQueen. Nominated for New Directors Grand Jury Prize
INTERNATIONALE FRAUENFILMFESTIVAL, COLOGNE 2016 - Nominated for International Debut Feature Film Award
DEEP FOCUS: WOMEN IN FILM FESTIVAL, CORK 2016 - Opening Film
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016 - Nominated in New Directors Competition
CHICHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016
INTERNATIONAL CRIME & PUNISHMENT FILM FESTIVAL, ISTANBUL 2016 - Nominated for the Golden Scales Award for Best Film
The Violators is out now on DVD & Digital HD & also available to watch on Netflix UK & Ireland! Click on weblinks below:
DVD: Amazon
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MUSIC:
MiNNETONKA 'And You'll Be... (Theme from The Violators)'
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