Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2009

This graphic, gritty coming-of-age drama follows Cal, a troubled British teen wrapped up in a violent gang that menaces any unfortunates they happen not to like. Cal is attracted to his best mate but must keep his sexuality hidden from his fellow gang members or be shunned (or worse) for it. What starts off with shame-filled, drug-fueled Internet hookups with strangers (that Cal films to watch later) turns into much more when he meets Olivier, a new out gay student in town. When Cal’s gang gay-bashes Olivier, Cal is forced to save him and deal with the consequences. Cal follows Olivier home and into his bed, where they start a passionate love affair that will prove explosive if his gang family finds out, but also provides an escape from an demeaning and depraved existence.

Fans of the British series “Skins” and Gregg Araki films will appreciate Simon Pearce’s directorial debut. Pulling no punches, SHANK unnerves as it makes us believe that even the worst of us deserve a second chance.