Filth (2013)
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A misanthropic detective with bipolar disorder struggles to maintain his grip on reality while investigating a murder and pursuing a promotion.
The story
Bruce Robertson, a scheming and misanthropic detective sergeant in Edinburgh, is assigned to oversee the investigation into the murder of a Japanese exchange student. His primary goal is to secure a promotion to Detective Inspector, but his personal life is in turmoil following the end of his marriage. Suffering from bipolar disorder and repressed guilt, Bruce indulges in drugs, alcohol, and vindictive plots against his colleagues. As the investigation progresses, Bruce begins to experience vivid hallucinations, causing him to slowly lose his grip on reality while navigating his complex domestic issues and erratic behavior.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Bruce Robertson is a manipulative detective sergeant in Edinburgh who spends his time bullying colleagues and indulging in substance abuse. He is currently obsessed with obtaining a promotion to Detective Inspector, which seems likely now that he is leading the murder investigation of a Japanese exchange student. However, Bruce is mentally unstable, suffering from bipolar disorder and repressed guilt over his brother's death. He also shows an unusual, desperate kindness toward a widow named Mary and her son. As the case unfolds, Bruce's hallucinations intensify. It is revealed he has been cross-dressing as his wife to feel close to her. While cross-dressed, he is kidnapped and beaten by a street gang responsible for the student's murder, but he manages to kill their leader, Gorman. Despite his actions, Bruce is demoted to Constable and his friend Ray Lennox is promoted to DI. After receiving an apology from Bruce, Blades is notified of Bruce's intent to commit suicide. Bruce attempts to hang himself but is interrupted by Mary and her son. He then breaks the fourth wall, repeating his catchphrase "same rules apply" before the chair slips.
- First release year
- 2013
- Runtime (minutes)
- 97
- Production countries
- Belgium; United Kingdom; Germany; Sweden; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jon S. Baird
- Writers
- Jon S. Baird · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- James McAvoy · Bruce Robertson; Jamie Bell · Ray Lennox; Joanne Froggatt · Mary; Imogen Poots · Stacey; Eddie Marsan · Dr. Rossi; Jim Broadbent · Clifford Blades; David Soul · cameo role
- Genres
- psychological black comedy; crime thriller
- Themes
- mental health; bullying; substance abuse; guilt
- Premise and plot tags
- black comedy; crime thriller; psychological; police comedy; LGBTQ-related; bipolar disorder; substance abuse; bullying
- Source material / true-story basis
- Irvine Welsh's 1998 novel Filth
- Content notes
- LGBTQ-related
- Reception
- The film received mixed or average reviews, with a Metacritic score of 56. However, it received a positive four-star review from Empire, while The Guardian's review was less enthused, describing it as a 'bizarre, dyspeptic vomit of despair.'
- Awards and nominations
- best actor · British Independent Film Awards 2013 · 2013 · win; best actor · Scottish BAFTAs · 2014 · win; directing · British Independent Film Awards 2013 · 2013 · nomination; directing · Scottish BAFTAs · 2014 · nomination
- Production trivia
- The project was once considered 'un-filmable'.; The film marked the final role of David Soul before his death in 2024.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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