I could have posted this review a week ago having been at the Bradford premiere of The Knife That Killed Me. But occasionally it's nice to let the dust settle for a while and then reflect on the experience.
When the cold reality of day hits, sometimes you look back on a film and realise it wasn't what you thought it was.
However, the fact that my wife and I are still thinking about The Knife... a week later is testament to its brilliance as a fine piece of storytelling.
It examines the memories of teenager Paul Varderman (Jack McMullen) as he looks back on events leading to the fatal moment his life is cut short.
When he moves to a new school, Paul becomes involved with a group on the fringes of school life. He also attracts the attention of charming psycho bully Roth (brilliantly played by Jamie Shelton).
Acting as Roth's delivery boy, Paul takes a package to the leader of a gang at a rival school, leading to a dangerous feud.
Naturally Paul has to decide where his loyalty lies, leading to a violent finale.
I hadn't read Anthony McGowan's source novel, but Marcus Romer and Kit Monkman did a fine job of giving us a fresh take on an all too familiar tale.
Made on a modest budget on a small set in East Yorkshire, enhanced with the aid of stylish virtual sets, it features a handful of familiar faces from projects such as Waterloo Road and recent Jimmy McGovern drama Common.
Reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, this tale of gang wars and one young protagonist's love for his fellow student is mesmerising.
Imagine a mix of Kes and Sin City and you get the idea behind this clever and inventive movie.
Easily one of the best films of the year.