Britain today, as a society, has come a long way in a relatively short time. Whilst the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, the class system is gradually eroding. However, whilst being born into the landed gentry will still afford you privilege, that doesn’t necessarily equate to having money; even if it puts you in a much better position than most. At the other end of the scale, there’s zero-hour contracts, cash-in-hand and the ‘black’ economy. These two worlds collide in Concrete Plans.
Deep in the Welsh mountains, five builders arrive to renovate a dilapidated farmhouse. Their home for two months will be a musty portacabin and the homeowner (Kevin Guthrie) has made it clear where they belong. Divisions and petty grievances build between the workmen, who include a migrant worker (Goran Bogdan) and a man with a chequered past (Chris Reilly). As payment become increasingly delayed, tensions come to boiling point.
Concrete Plans delves into class divides and social discontent to create a film which digs deep into the dark heart of British society. Will Jewell’s film is as much a reflection on the country today as it is a bloody and brutal drama. Whilst it undeniably descends it cliché, at times, there’s also much more going on under the bonnet. Including strong performances from the ensemble cast and employing a dark sense of humour, Concrete Plans is a solid construction built on sound foundations.
Concrete Plans is released on digital by Signature Entertainment on 23 November.
