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Shallow Grave
1994 93 min United Kingdom R 18+
★7.3
Crime, Thriller
Director: Danny Boyle
Trailers
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EN
Description
When David, Juliet, and Alex find their new roommate dead with a large sum of money, they agree to hide the body and keep the cash. However, this newfound fortune gradually corrodes their friendship.
Budget:
$2.5M
US Gross:
$2.08M
Worldwide:
$19.78M
Starring
Kerry Fox
Actor
Christopher Eccleston
Actor
Ewan McGregor
Actor
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival 1994
— Silver Shell – Best Director
BAFTA 1995
— Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film
San Sebastián International Film Festival 1994
— Golden Shell
Key opinion
Danny Boyle's directorial debut is widely regarded as a sharp, intense, and stylish psychological thriller that effectively explores the collapse of morality and friendship under the weight of greed. While most critics praise its visual flair and strong performances, some viewers find the character dynamics and the transition from dark comedy to drama to be inconsistent or artificial.
| Direction | Boyle’s debut establishes a clear, signature stylistic imprint, featuring dynamic cinematography and a tight integration of sound and image. | |
| Theme | The film delivers a gripping and unpredictable experience that masterfully blends elements of dark comedy, noir, and psychological tension. | |
| Acting | Performances from Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston are frequently highlighted for effectively portraying their characters' moral disintegration. | |
| Pacing | The plot’s shift from an energetic crime comedy to a more serious drama is polarizing; some find the psychological breakdown of the characters compelling, while others view the tonal shift as forced or disjointed. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the characters are divided; some critics appreciate the cynical exploration of human greed, while others argue the protagonists remain unsympathetic and artificial. |