Watch The Parole Officer

The Parole Officer is a British comedy film released in 2001. The film stars Steve Coogan in the lead role of Simon Garden, a clumsy and unsuccessful parole officer who gets framed for a murder he didn't commit. Lena Headey plays his love interest, Emma, and Emma Gilmour plays Naomi, the daughter of the crime boss who arranges the framing.

The story follows Simon Garden as he struggles to clear his name after being set up for the murder of his boss, George. In order to prove his innocence, Simon enlists the help of a group of his clients, including a hacker and a performance artist, to break into George's office and find evidence that can exonerate him.

The film is full of slapstick humor and witty one-liners, but also has an underlying message about the challenges faced by those trying to reintegrate into society after being released from prison. Simon's clients are portrayed as individuals who are genuinely trying to turn their lives around, and Simon himself is shown to be a compassionate and dedicated parole officer who cares about his clients.

Despite the serious themes, the film never takes itself too seriously, with plenty of off-beat humor and absurd situations that keep the audience laughing. Steve Coogan's performance is a highlight, with his trademark deadpan delivery perfectly suited to the role of the bumbling yet determined Simon Garden.

Lena Headey is also excellent as Emma, providing a strong and likable love interest for Simon. Emma Gilmour plays Naomi, the daughter of the crime boss who framed Simon, and while her role is relatively small, she does a good job of portraying a conflicted character torn between loyalty to her father and a desire for justice.

The film is set in Manchester, England, and the city itself is almost a character in its own right. The gritty urban landscape provides a perfect backdrop for the story, and the film does an excellent job of capturing the unique flavor of Manchester.

Overall, The Parole Officer is a highly entertaining and witty comedy that manages to tackle serious themes without ever feeling heavy-handed. The performances are all top-notch, and the film is filled with clever writing and memorable characters. While it may not be a classic in the same vein as Coogan's later work in shows like Alan Partridge, it's certainly an enjoyable and entertaining film that is well worth a watch.