Down Terrace

Ben Wheatley's Down Terrace (2009) was an entertaining and surprising film. It is the story of an unconventional crime family, the father plays roots/blues music and likes to smoke pot and says he's not in it for the money. The story took a sudden turn halfway through the film becomes a brutal black comedy and bears it’s teeth with sudden violence. Father (Robert Hill)-Son (Robin Hill), a real life father-son team, (Julie Deakin)-Mother dynamic is key to the film and all three turn in great performances. The Chris Pringle character (Michale Smiley) was great comic relief, as a hit man with a three year old in tow. Another unconventional aspect can be seen in the decision to use a blue grass/ blues soundtrack to score the film. This is one of those entertaining sleepers that goes under the radar by due to lack of promotion or big stars to promote it.