Human Traffic meets Kneecap in Kieron J. Walsh’s energetic, euphoric, ecstasy-fuelled adaptation of Ciarán McMenamin’s novel set in his hometown of Enniskillen, aka the eponymous Skintown.
It follows a very eventful 48 hours in the life of Vinnie, a young man who dreams of escaping a life spent navigating not only a dead-end job at the town’s only Trattoria, but also the tensions of a town split between Catholics, Protestants, and the British military. Things get even more complicated when he is forced by a couple of Protestant squaddies (including a menacing Martin McCann) to try and sell 400 stolen ecstasy pills at a rave celebrating the newly announced ceasefire…
Set in 1994, director Walsh captures and recreates the energy and swagger of films from the mid-to-late Nineties Britpop era, e.g. Trainspotting, Human Traffic, and Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. It combines engaging performances from his young cast, dynamic camera work and editing, and a banging soundtrack.
But for every high, there is a massive comedown. And the film is not afraid to confront the crushing danger and trouble of living through The Troubles. McMenamin’s adaptation of his novel does an excellent job of managing the tonal shifts that arise as the best-laid plans go through more ups and downs than a pilled-up raver. Aided by a terrific central turn by Jack Rowan, in what surely will be a breakout, star-making role for him.
Michael Smiley is always a welcome addition to any cast, and his appearance has an extra layer of meta-casting, as he played the iconic Irish raver Tyres in Spaced. Who, in many ways, was a blueprint for the character of Vinnie’s best friend, Jonty (Chris Walley).
Their complicated friendship, instantly recognisable to anyone who has felt the push and pull behind that desire to leave their hometown, is the beating heart of the film. One that has an infectious rhythm that beats to its own drum at 120 bpm. It deservedly won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and will undoubtedly win over audiences when it gets a full cinema release.
One hell of a trip equals one hell of a film… It will leave you ecstatic without requiring any chemical assistance. Just the natural high of discovering one of the most enjoyable and electrifying films of the year. Now that is a “rave review”!
Skintown had its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival
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Director: Kieron J. Walsh
Stars: Jack Rowan, Chris Walley, Jamie Lee O’ Donnell, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, Michael Smiley
Runtime: 99 minutes
Country: UK/Ireland
