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Writer's pictureJames Rutherford

‘Shallow Grave’: Danny Boyle's Deliciously Twisted Neo-Noir Feature Film Debut


Movie poster for Danny Boyle's film Shallow Grave starring Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox and Christopher Eccleston

“Shallow Grave” (1994) is an wildly transgressive and darkly humorous 90’s-era neo-noir thriller starring Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox and Christopher Eccleston as Alex, Juliet and David—a devilish trio of flatmates in Edinburgh, Scotland.


In search of a fourth resident for their spacious flat, they welcome Hugo (Keith Allen) into their midst—only for the newcomer to promptly overdose in his bed. Upon discovering Hugo’s body, all three flatmates are shocked to find a large suitcase full of money in his possession. Quickly agreeing to reserve the funds for themselves and dispose of Hugo’s entirely displeasing corpse, Alex, Juliet and David soon find themselves simultaneously under siege from a pair of vicious killers and under investigation by the local detective inspector.


Produced by Andrew Macdonald, written by John Hodge and directed by Danny Boyle—the team behind “Trainspotting” and “The Beach”—“Shallow Grave” is a gleefully sinister dark comedy that delivers dark turns, stylistic thrills and wry shades of drollery in equal measure. The feature film debut for Boyle, it’s an enticing glimpse at the dawn of an illustrious filmmaking career—replete with his trademark visual flair and bold, exhilarating brand of storytelling.

 

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