Kwabena Manso’s (AKA Q) directorial debut is a multi-layered film based on his novel of the same name. Deadmeat explores a plethora of issues bounding between infidelity to gang warfare and from revenge killings to terrorism - and all in a confining 80 minutes.

The apparent suicide of Bones (Brian Bovell) is the film’s premise. Brother Clarkie (Q) is not convinced Bones killed himself nor does he believe that he was a paedophile consequently killed by a cyber-vigilante. Despite the animosity present between the brothers before Bones‘ death, Clarkie sets out to clear his brother’s name and exact revenge on the true culprit of the killing.

Q’s cult film was a success in America winning Hollywood’s Accolade Award for Excellence. Deadmeat was shot in 12 days on a shoestring budget, but with a stellar cast of British based actors, any physical cracks in the film is healed by the high standard of acting. Some of the outdoor scenes were drowned out by traffic or other background noise which would usually be phased out by the high rollers. It adds a raw element to the film which is brilliantly shot despite the time restraint.

With a multi-cultural cast it makes a comforting change that the tired stereotypes are non-existent. Clare Perkins is terrifyingly brilliant as gang leader De Costa, flitting from frightening to funny in a split second. There are many other familiar faces amongst the large cast.

The film is marred slightly by the lack of exposition and the abrupt ending typically leaves a lot of questions unanswered. But the advantage of having Q write, star and direct means that the book’s message isn’t lost in translation, something which is atypical of Hollywood.