Watch Shifty

Shifty from 2008 is a British drama film written and directed by Eran Creevy. The movie tells the story of a young man named Shifty (Riz Ahmed), who is struggling to find his place in the world while battling addiction and the pressures of his past. Shifty is a low-level drug dealer living in London. He spends most of his days smoking weed, selling drugs, and hanging out with his friend Chris (Daniel Mays). However, Shifty's life takes a turn when his old friend Rez (Nitin Ganatra) returns to town. Rez is a dangerous man with a violent past, and his presence puts Shifty and his loved ones in danger.

As the day progresses, Shifty struggles to keep his life under control. He must grapple with conflicts from his past and present, evading conflict, create an alibi to keep himself out of police custody and resolve the issues caused by a serious mistake he made recently. Meanwhile, Chris tries to steer Shifty in a better direction, but it seems like his pleas are falling on deaf ears.

The film is a character study of the two friends and their complicated relationship. Shifty is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his desire to leave the drug business behind. Meanwhile, Chris is trying to hold onto his own sanity while grappling with the knowledge that something terrible is about to happen.

The acting in the movie is exceptional. Riz Ahmed delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Shifty. His portrayal of a young man struggling with addiction and guilt is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Daniel Mays is equally impressive as Chris, bringing a sense of humanity and humor to the role. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, making their friendship believable and heartfelt.

The film is shot mostly in close-ups, creating an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere. The cinematography is raw and gritty, emphasizing the bleakness of Shifty's world. The film's score is made up of a mixture of electronic music and hip hop, fitting the mood of the movie perfectly.

One of the film's strengths is its authenticity. It doesn't glamorize the drug trade or try to make Shifty a hero. Instead, it focuses on the consequences of his actions and the toll that his lifestyle takes on him and his loved ones. The film also explores issues of immigration and race, particularly through the character of Rez.

Shifty is a difficult movie to watch at times, but it's also a powerful and important one. It asks important questions about addiction, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. The film's ending is ambiguous, leaving the audience to decide what happens to Shifty and his friend Chris.

Overall, Shifty is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that deserves to be seen. It's a raw and honest portrait of a young man struggling to find his place in the world, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in British drama.

Shifty is a 2008 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.