Junkhearts, directed by Tinge Krishnan and penned by Simon Frank, features Eddie Marsan, Candese Reid, Tom Sturridge, and Romola Garai. The narrative centers on Marsan’s character, Frank, an alcoholic former soldier haunted by a past event where he fatally shot a young mother. Frank develops an unexpected connection with Lynette (Reid), a homeless teenager living on the streets. As they connect, Frank invites Lynette to live with him; however, her drug-dealing boyfriend soon appears. Mostly, Junkhearts presents a bleak portrayal of British life. The film depicts individuals struggling with addiction and aspiring to be criminals, set against a backdrop of drab council housing in London, where single mothers find it difficult to maintain stability. Krishnan herself has experienced PTSD, which allowed her to guide Marsan’s performance and ensure its authenticity. Reid delivers a convincing portrayal that feels genuine. The cinematography is deliberately raw and invasive, while the sound design creates a mesmerizing effect, enhancing the somber nature of the characters. The film realistically portrays the difficulties of addiction and Frank's emotional collapse due to betrayal. However, a subplot involving Romola Garai detracts from the harshness surrounding Frank and Lynette’s story, ultimately leading to an unsatisfactory conclusion. The inclusion of scenes dealing with gun and knife crime also fails to resonate as strongly as it should have. Despite these shortcomings, Junkhearts remains a powerful film, showcasing Marsan's talent and demonstrating some impressive technical skill. It is recommended for those interested in exploring the darker side of British life. 7/10

Source on TMDB