Danny Dyer’s controversial thriller from the 2000s, which critics lambasted as « nasty and exploitative », is now available for free streaming in the UK.
The film, co-starring Gillian Anderson of Sex Education fame, is a brutal revenge tale that sees an unlikely duo take on a gang of violent men following a horrific assault.
EastEnders stalwart Dyer plays Adam, a young security technician who embarks on a passionate affair with the sophisticated businesswoman Alice Comfort, portrayed by Anderson.
After attending a party together – where they indulge in a night of passion – they return home, only to collide with a stag in Alice’s car and suffer a terrifying attack by a group of men.
Months later, the couple have recovered physically but are emotionally scarred and devise a cruel plan for retribution, reports the Mirror.
Titled Straightheads, this intensely shocking thriller is available for free on Channel 4 for those who believe they can handle it.
Receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics, The Guardian was particularly harsh, awarding it just one star and describing the film as « nasty and nonsensical » and « a feature-length exercise in wrongness ».
Empire was slightly more forgiving with their two-star review, commending Anderson’s « engaging performance », noting it « [delves] into the sexual psychology of a traumatised odd-couple with interesting results ».
They concluded: « Anderson bares (almost) all in this flawed but fitfully fascinating thriller with a comical, if less compelling, turn from Danny Dyer. »
Meanwhile, the Times wrote: « It has its thoughtful moments and is satisfying on a base level, but it’s an exploitation flick at heart. »
Nevertheless, Straightheads boasts a devoted following, with one Letterboxd reviewer declaring: « There are still parts of the film that I don’t think need to be there…
« But for the most part I think the film was fantastic and is one that I don’t think many will want to watch again because of how effective it is while not showing too much. I give the film a 5/5. »
Another cinema enthusiast commented: « Brilliant, brutal, breathtaking ….great slice of grub pie a la Straw Dogs and Piggy. »
A third viewer penned: « Horrible topic but Gillian’s emotional range here is incredible, she is such an insanely talented actor… still, a really hard movie to watch. »
Are you prepared to tackle Straightheads this week, or will this controversial shocker be given a miss?
Straightheads is available to stream on Channel 4.
