This gritty, cutting-edge drama is a part of a new genre from contemporary queer filmmakers that shows another side of gay life. Shank is no cozy affair; void of the cliché plot devices typical of a coming of age story, this is a film that is refreshingly shocking, very explicit and painful at times. Yet under the surface of violence, hatred and confusion there is also more than a streak of tenderness. Cal is an 18 year-old member of a gang that wiles its days away in a haze of drugs, sex and random acts of violence. He is desperate that the other members do not discover that he is struggling to come to terms with being gay. This becomes difficult due to his unspoken desire for his best friend, another, more violent member of the gang. A chance encounter with a French Student who treats him with love and kindness gives tough thug Cal his first meaningful relationship. The other gang members are reluctant to lose one of their own, and so engineer an explosive confrontation that leaves no one unscathed and everyone traumatized and transformed. This brilliant debut from 21 year-old director Simon Pearce is compelling, completely unique, and full of energy. Its fresh take on a slice of British gay youth culture makes it a must-see for anyone who loves movies that shake you up.

Simon Pearce learned most of his filmmaking skills from working on sets, including assistant jobs on the feature film Casino Royale (2006) and on the BBC drama series Lark Rise to Candleford (2008). Shank is the 21 year-old filmmaker’s directorial debut.