Summaries

The story of a young Jack, newly released from serving a prison sentence for a violent crime he committed as a child.

A young man is released from prison after many years and given a new identity in a new town. Aided by a supervisor who becomes like a father to him he finds a job and friends and hesitantly starts a relationship with a compassionate girl. But the secret of the heinous crime he committed as a boy weighs down on him, and he learns that it is not so easy to escape your past.—Peter Brandt Nielsen

Sensitive, well-meaning Eric Wilson served a long juvenile term for violence committed by his former classmate Philip Craig, who committed suicide. He does everything when parole officer Terry arranges an anonymous new start for him as Jack Burridge in a delivery firm. He becomes buddy with colleague Kelly, who introduces him to party life, and becomes 'easy' firm clerk Michelle's lover. Terry considers him his greatest achievement, unlike his neglected, 'lazy' son Zeb, whose growing frustration will prove tragically crucial.—KGF Vissers

Details

Keywords
  • haunted by the past
  • release from prison
  • barefoot male
  • murder of a child
  • new identity
Genres
  • Drama
Release date Sep 3, 2008
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) R
Countries of origin United Kingdom
Language English
Filming locations Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK
Production companies The Weinstein Company Film4 Cuba Pictures

Box office

Gross US & Canada $113662
Opening weekend US & Canada $13024
Gross worldwide $1202375

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 46m
Color Color
Sound mix Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio 1.85 : 1

Synopsis

Having been institutionalized for most of his life, Jack (Andrew Garfield) is finally released from prison at the age of 24. He and another boy murdered a child when they themselves were children. The film follows Jack's attempts to readjust to the world outside of confinement and restart a life which never really got going.

Under the fatherly mentoring of Terry (Peter Mullan), his parole contact and social worker, he experiences a coming of age, which would normally have happened years ago. Forces from the past are constantly upon him. As we learn more about the events leading up to the crime which has ruined so many lives, there is an increasing sense of suspense, intrigue and ultimately doom: the tabloid press and Terry's real son are not going to let things lie.

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