Danny Boyle's 1995 debut film Shallow Grave, starring Scots actor Ewan McGregor, has been hailed by movie fans as an 'underappreciated masterpiece' and 'just as good as Trainspotting'. The dark-comedy thriller, which marked Boyle's first feature before his success with the cult classic Trainspotting a year later, also stars McGregor in the leading role.
Plot and Setting
Whilst largely filmed in Glasgow, the film is set in an apartment in Edinburgh's Old Town. It tells the story of three roommates, played by Christopher Eccleston, McGregor and Kerry Fox, who are searching for a fourth person to live with them.
After they settle on a man called Hugo, portrayed by Keith Allen, they later find their new renter dead from a drug overdose with a large lump of cash left on his person. The roommates decide to keep the money and make the chilling decision to dismember and bury Hugo's body. Shortly after, each roommate starts thinking about keeping the money to themselves by scamming the others.
Fan Reviews and Reception
Shallow Grave scores a respectable 72 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans even going as far as to say it is just as good as Boyle's iconic Trainspotting.
One review read: "Hidden Gem Alert! Why does no one talk about this movie? It's pretty much just as good as Trainspotting, just a less contemporary topic."
A second chimed in: "One of Danny Boyle's finest films. Engrossing, terrifying, and funny all at the same time. Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, Keith Allen, and Ken Stott are all at the top of their game."
A third agreed: "Easily one of Danny Boyle's best films. Beautifully shot and acted." Yet another commented: "Way better than I thought it would be. Boyle's under appreciated masterpiece."
A fifth wrote: "A slick, and at times violent neo-noir debut from Boyle is this thriller based around one almighty moral dilemma. Worth checking out." Someone else summed it up by penning: "Vicious fun. Gruesome. Suspenseful. Friends at their least friendly. Great twist ending."
Shallow Grave is available to rent on Amazon Prime now.
