Mile End

It is nice to sit down and watch a film that incorporates the elements of superb writing, a haunting soundtrack and brilliant acting to keep you riveted to the screen. There are no gimmicks or high-end effects but instead the seamless coming together of scenes that build into a slow-burn thriller beautifully set against the backdrop of East London. Both main actors do a wonderful job portraying their characters and John is downright creepy leaving viewers thinking about him - and the ambiguous ending - long after the film credits have rolled. I will definitely watch for more releases from writer and director Graham Higgins!

It's a while since I've been genuinely startled during a film - but this gripping thriller did just that. The two lead characters are beautifully drawn, and I found the development of their relationship engrossing. The complex and sinister story line keeps you engaged and guessing well beyond the end of the film. We were still discussing various plot conundrums long after we arrived home.

Beautifully shot in East London, this independent film was made on a shoe-string budget, but looks like a million dollars! I'm not surprised it was nominated for Best Feature at the Raindance Film Festival. Highly recommended.

After watching the film's trailer, I became deeply intrigued. Without giving away any spoilers, I found the movie to be highly captivating, and just when I thought I had the storyline figured out, it managed to surprise me yet again.

The deliberate, unhurried tempo of this film had me on the edge of my seat, skilfully weaving in potential subtle clues about the unfolding mystery, 'lipstick' as an example!

It's definitely a must-watch!

Everyone has a favourite character, and I, in particular, found 'John,' brought to life by Mark Arnold, to be exceptionally skilled in crafting a character you're supposed to despise but can't help secretly liking.

#ShutterIslandVibes.

This is a great film. It's such a pleasure to see a film where all the elements come together as perfectly as they do in Mile End. Great casting – I enjoyed the contrast between the leads: one of them so self-contained and desperate to break out of the limiting and mundane nine to five world he finds himself trapped within; and the other so open and genial on the surface but ultimately looking for a 'friend' to drag into his murky, dark and dangerous world. Arnold particularly gave a convincing and expertly controlled performance as the troubled and damaged John. The clever writing created a totally plausible relationship between the two of them and the tension built steadily throughout keeping me gripped to the end. I loved the photography and those big London vistas - good to see the East end for a change. And I only jumped out of my seat once! Would definitely recommend this.

I saw this film at the I Filmmaker International Film Festival in Marbella which was a really lovely festival and the screening conditions were great, this allowed us to see the films with good sound and get a real idea of their quality. And talking about quality I was surprised at the quality of Mile End knowing how little the budget had been (speaking to director G Higgins). As you watch it it gets better and better and pulls you in. The actors are good and the chemistry between them works well, suspense builds too. I am looking forward to seeing this directors new works and also what will happen when he gets a production company and money behind him. Would recommend this film!