Watch Done In

Ah, Done In, a gripping British crime thriller from 2014 that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Directed by Christian James and written by James and Dan Palmer, this film has a lot going for it - a tense plot, strong performances from its lead actors, and plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up until the very end.

The film follows the story of Norman (Guy Henry), a mild-mannered accountant who leads a fairly ordinary life. But when he unwittingly gets caught up in a scheme involving millions of pounds in stolen currency, his life quickly spirals out of control. Hunted by the ruthless gang of criminals who pulled off the heist, Norman finds himself in a desperate race against time to clear his name and save his own skin.

But he's not alone in his struggle. Along the way, Norman teams up with a grizzled ex-detective named Cohen (played by the always excellent Gordon Styles), who has his own reasons for wanting to take down the gang. Their partnership is an uneasy one at first, as Norman is understandably wary of Cohen's rough-around-the-edges demeanor. But as they work together to unravel the mystery, the two men slowly begin to bond - forming a kind of father-son dynamic that adds an emotional depth to the film.

One of the standout aspects of Done In is the way it combines tension and humor in equal measure. There are moments of genuine comedy that break up the intensity of the action, such as when Norman and Cohen are forced to hide out in a caravan park and try to pass themselves off as retirees. But these lighter scenes never detract from the sense of danger that permeates the entire film. Every time you think Norman and Cohen are getting close to figuring out a solution, something goes wrong - and the bad guys are always one step ahead.

The performances from the cast are top-notch across the board. Guy Henry is superb as the hapless Norman, bringing a sense of vulnerability and pathos to his character that makes you root for him even when things seem hopeless. Despite his reputation as a stoic and reserved actor (he's probably best known for playing Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One), Henry shows a surprising range here - there are moments when he's downright funny, as well as moments when he's genuinely heartbreaking.

But it's Gordon Styles who steals the show as Cohen. With his weathered face, raspy voice, and tough-guy demeanor, Styles is the epitome of the grizzled old cop archetype. But he also brings a warmth and humanity to the role that make it clear he's not just a caricature. There's a scene towards the end of the film where he shares a moment with Norman that is genuinely touching - a testament to the chemistry between the two actors.

As well as the performances, the film's cinematography is also worth noting. Shot mostly in London, Done In showcases some of the city's grittier and more run-down neighborhoods - adding to the sense of danger and desperation that permeates the story. There are several scenes that take place at night, with the city's neon lights and flickering streetlamps creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop that's perfectly suited to the film's noirish vibe.

Overall, Done In is a highly enjoyable and suspenseful crime thriller that's well worth checking out. It's not a perfect film - there are a few too many twists and turns towards the end, and the resolution feels a little rushed - but it's a testament to the skill of the filmmakers and actors involved that it still manages to be so gripping and entertaining. If you're a fan of gritty, character-driven thrillers with a touch of humor, then this is definitely one to add to your watchlist.