Watch Outside Bet

Outside Bet is a British comedy-drama film that tells the story of a group of working-class men who invest in a racehorse in the hope of making a fortune. The film is set in the 1980s, when the UK was experiencing economic difficulties and social change. The film revolves around a group of lifelong friends who work at a printing company that is facing closure due to technological advances. The friends are worried about losing their jobs and their way of life, but they still find time to indulge in their favorite pastime - betting on the horses.

One day, the group comes across a racehorse called 'The Cissie' and decides to pool their savings to buy a share in the animal. The group's ringleader, Percy (played by Bob Hoskins), convinces his wife, Connie (played by Jenny Agutter), to invest their life savings in the horse. Percy and his friends put their trust in Horsey, a dodgy bookmaker played by Vincent Regan, to get the horse to win.

As the group sets about training and preparing the horse for the races, they face a number of obstacles. For example, they struggle to come up with the money to cover the horse's expenses and are threatened by a rival group who also want a share in the animal.

At the same time, the group's personal lives are also affected by the venture. Percy's wife becomes increasingly concerned about the amount of money they have invested and the risks involved, while another member of the group, Frank (played by Philip Davis), deals with the breakdown of his marriage.

As the race day approaches, tensions mount and the group's fortunes rest on the horse's performance. Will their gamble pay off, or will they be left with nothing?

The film, directed by Sacha Bennett, is an adaptation of a play called 'The Mumper' by David Spicer. The movie showcases the realities of life for the working class in the 1980s and the struggles they faced. It touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community in times of hardship.

The performances of the actors in the film are exceptional, particularly those of Bob Hoskins and Jenny Agutter. Hoskins gives a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of Percy, a man who is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire to provide financial security for his family. Agutter's portrayal of Connie is equally strong, bringing depth and complexity to her role as a woman who is both supportive and skeptical of her husband's ambitions.

Vincent Regan's depiction of the shady bookmaker Horsey is also noteworthy, providing comedic relief to the film while also highlighting the seedy side of the betting industry.

The cinematography in the movie is stunning, showcasing the bleak and dreary landscape of 1980s London. The director's use of color and lighting perfectly captures the atmosphere of the period and lends an air of authenticity to the film.

Overall, Outside Bet is a charming and engaging film that will appeal to those who enjoy classic British cinema. It is a heartwarming story of camaraderie and resilience that will leave viewers cheering for the underdogs.

Outside Bet is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.