Shifty (15)

A LOW budget British movie about a smalltime drug dealer and the best friend who returns years after doing a runner doesn’t, on the surface, hold out much promise.

But writer-director Eran Creevy’s debut overcomes those initial worries with a story of friendship tested to the limit. As it was inspired by his own childhood in Harlow, Essex, we must suspect there’s an element of truth in the story.

Shifty (Riz Ahmed) makes a living supplying locals with drugs but finds himself a marked man after being double-crossed by supplier Glen (Jason Flemyng).

His routine is upset by the return of his best mate Chris (Daniel Mays). He fled the town for the bright lights of Manchester after a tragedy.

As Shifty attempts to find out what’s brought him back, the pair wander the streets looking for Glen and to settle the score. Those who impede the smooth running of the day include a husband hooked on drugs and an old lady (a crack-pipe smoking cameo from Francesca Annis). Brightly performed and directed, Shifty marks Creevy out as a film-maker to watch.