We Are Monster :- a sledgehammer of a UK drama @wearemonster |

On 8th February 2000 at Feltham Young Offenders Institute, Robert Stewart, a known violent racist was placed in a cell with Zahid Mubarek

In the film ‘We Are Monster’ a film written by Leeshon Alexander, and directed by Antony Petrou we find out just much of a tragedy that was.

Using a series of flashbacks we learn about how Robert Stewart became a ‘monster’ but also how his younger years have moulded him into the brutal mentally disturbed racist that he is in his present days. The film is a very hard film to watch and is so uncomfortable as we watch and hear some of the most racist comments seen in films for years, but that is the point. We Are Monster shouldnt be a pleasant entertaining film to watch, it needs to be (and is) an extremly powerful piece of film that gives us a nasty glimpse into the minds of nasty people.

Whilst the film itself does sit firmly on the shoulders of the lead actor Leeshon Alexander (playing Robert Stewart), who does an all too convincing job of playing someone I wouldnt want to meet in a well lit alley, never mind a dark alley at night. The supporting cast also does a top notch job in this true story. Familiar faces such as Doug Allen (The Guvnors), Aymen Hamdouchi (My Brother The Devil), and Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones) all have great roles in ‘We Are Monster’.

“British History X”

Without delving into spoilers for the film, the use of silence also works wonders in the film with a section at the start using mood, and scenery and looks to tell us everything we need to know.

Recently the 2013 film ‘Starred Up’ gathered huge acclaim and ‘We Are Soldier’ is right up there alongside that film. Its a tough film to watch but its a film that everyone should see for many reasons. Its a story that should be shared, its a film thats brilliant put together, and contains some of the most sublte but powerful performances of recent years.

For those who think the UK film industry is full of cockney-gangster films.

‘We Are Monster’ will prove you wrong.