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Surge

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Summary

Psychological thriller starring Ben Whishaw. An airport security worker's fragile mental health deteriorates after a series of troubling incidents. One day at work, he experiences a nervous breakdown and takes to the streets of London, beginning a reckless and increasingly violent day of lawlessness.

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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Josh Winning

Centred around a blistering lead turn by Ben Whishaw, this nerve-racking thriller depicts a young man's spiral into violence and lawlessness over a frantic 24-hour period. Joseph is an airport security guard who always seems to hover on the periphery. He's so quiet that none of his colleagues even know it's his birthday, but they happily eat the cake he brings in to celebrate. After a disastrous lunch with his parents (the fantastic Ellie Haddington and Ian Gelder), Joseph goes on a crime spree through London, liberated by living by his own rules, seemingly for the first time. Debut director Aneil Karia (best known for Channel 4's Top Boy) uses claustrophobic close-ups and hand-held framing to nail-biting effect, and the film is frequently unbearably tense. There is an overreliance on symbolism, and the exact reasons for Joseph's turmoil are left unsaid, but there are tantalising layers to Whishaw's lived-in performance and he is the reason to keep watching.

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6.2/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameJosephBen WhishawJoyce, Joseph's motherEllie HaddingtonJoseph's fatherIan GelderEmreRyan McKenVincentVictor OlamideLilyJasmine Jobson

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Crew

rolenameDirectorAneil Karia

Details

Theatrical distributor

Vertigo Releasing Ltd

Released on

2021-05-28

Languages

English

Guidance

violence, swearing

Formats

Colour

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