Hyena

Stars: Peter Ferdinando, Stephen Graham, MyAnna Buring, Neil Maskell, Richard Dormer, Elisa Lasowski

Director: Gerard Johnson

A sort of arthouse version of the hardman's UK crime flick, this thriller starts with a raid on a drugs den, though it seems more of the proceeds go up the cops' noses than reach the evidence room at HQ.

Leader of this highly crooked pack is Michael Logan (Ferdinando); he and his mates turn a blind eye to the drugs trade run by local Turks, in return for a hefty cut of the profits.

But now the unkempt Logan is faced with a triple threat; murderous Albanians dispose of the Turks and take over their business; Logan's under investigation by a man determined to get him; and his new boss is an old enemy, now the head of vice, European division.

Much bloodletting ensues, leading up to a climax that never happens; as Logan stews over hostages held by the Albanians, why doesn't he simply call for backup?

The stench of death is everywhere here, but the film breaks little new ground, nor succeeds in striking a balance between grim reality and some form of entertainment.

David Quinlan

UK 2015. UK Distributor: Metrodome (Channel 4/BFI). Colour (unspecified).
110 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 18.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 3, Drugs 3, Swearing 3.

Review date: 01 Mar 2015