286. Habit; movie review

HABIT
Cert 18
94 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong gory violence, sexualised violence

The World Cup is over and it's time to get my head back into the task of trying to watch every movie released in the UK.
A starting point has been any movies which I have missed and are already on iTunes.
They included Simeon Halligan's gory Habit so, on our way back from seeing our son at his home in Lincolnshire, I sat in the passenger seat, stuck on my headphones and got stuck into some horror.
And, despite my usual aversion to seeing lots of fake blood and rubber organs, I found Habit unexpectedly engaging.
It stars Elliot James Langridge as Michael, a young unemployed man, whose tragic family background has had a deep impact on him struggling to find a place in society.
While registering for the dole, he has a chance meeting with an angry teenager (Jessica Barden) who ends up sharing a secret which will change his life.
Habit, which is filmed in the back streets of Manchester, is very much focused on society's underbelly with beatings, drugs, prostitution and racketeering punctuating daily life.
But despite the backdrop of despair, it works because of the appeal of its central characters who are both reluctant players in the struggle and strife.
Sure, it is unusual and should not be recommended for those with weak stomachs but there are messages about temptation, hopelessness and family which are explored meaningfully and differently.
And, while some of the characters are stereotypical, it is lifted by the performances of both Langridge and Barden who are pertinently low-key and energetic respectively.
Habit will certainly not be for everyone. There is a large chunk of far-fetched fantasy but there was enough to keep me engaged.

Reasons to watch: Engaging British horror
Reasons to avoid: Lots and lots of blood and guts

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: Yes
Overall rating: 6.5/10

Director quote - Simeon Halligan: "People think horrors are easy to make, but it’s a complicated thing to achieve to scare people or inspire certain types of feelings."

The big question - What does human flesh taste like?

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