Victim

‘Victim’ is a souped-up morality tale aimed squarely at the urban teen market that low-budget British filmmakers are increasingly finding ways to reach. Directed by TV helmer Alex Pillai, it’s downbeat and basic, with a fondness for jump cuts. It’s the story of Tyson (Ashley Chin), a black east Londoner in his twenties who looks after his teenage sister by day and robs luxury flats by night. But his sister’s classroom encounters with an inspirational teacher (David Harewood) suggest that even very difficult lives can be turned around. Meanwhile, Tia (Ashley Madekwe), a girl from the other side of the tracks, enters Tyson’s life and allows him to glimpse another way of life. This is solidly made, but once you get past the attempts at realism – the banter, the backstories, the music, the clothes – it’s a desperately corny yarn.