Cert 18
96 mins
BBFC advice: Contains very strong language
When Stephen Graham broke onto the scene, I thought his films pigeon-holed him as an angry Liverpudlian. Orthodox is an example of why I should never have never doubted his range.
Graham gives one of his most impressive performances to date as Benjamin Levy - a conflicted Jewish man who finds a chasm between his faith and the real world.
David Leon's film moves between Benjamin's childhood when, much to his father's dismay, he turned to his fists when bullied over his religion.
He then takes up boxing seriously and, in later life, fights for cash to supplement his meagre income as a butcher.
Michael Smiley is thoroughly unpleasant as Ben's fixer and the man who offers him more money to carry out enforcement jobs. What naive Ben does not realise is that a Jewish elder (Christopher Fairbank) is also tied up in flouting the law.
Graham, who ditches his Scouse brogue for a southern accent here, is surprisingly low key, trying to please everyone, including Ben's fretful wife (Rebecca Callard) and a young lad (Giacomo Mancini) who sees him as a mentor.
But the longer Orthodox goes on, the more there is a growing feeling that he will have a tipping point.
Orthodox builds tension slowly so that the audience can invest in its characters. By its conclusion I was silently egging Ben on.
It is smartly directed and gives Graham the chance to give his best. Meanwhile, he is complemented with quality performances by Smiley and Fairbank.
Overall, it is convincingly raw.
Reasons to watch: Stephen Graham at his best
Reasons to avoid: takes too long to reach its climax
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Star tweet
Stephen Graham Extremely proud being part of @Orthodox_Film released tonight @CurzonCinemas, tickets available @ Bloomsbury if that's your neighbourhood.