Paddy Considine scene in psychological thriller is still ‘one of the greatest in British film’

‘You were supposed to be a monster – now I’m the f***ing beast’

Originally released back in 2004, Shane Meadow’s movie has cemented itself in the history books as a cult classic of British cinema.

The dark psychological thriller stars Paddy Considine as Richard, a former soldier in the British Army, who returns home to the Peak District to get even with the gang who humiliated his younger brother for years while he was gone.

The film was written by both Meadows and Considine as well as Paul Fraser, and stars Toby Kebbell, Gary Stretch, and Stuart Wolfenden.

Despite its low budget, the film was instantly hailed as a masterwork by many critics. Writing for The Observer, Philip French described the film as: “A very skilful, superbly edited piece of moviemaking” while The Telegraph remarked that it was “not for the faint hearted”.

Since its initial release, the film has gone onto be featured in many lists of the greatest movies ever made and has solidified itself as an iconic work of English cinema.

The film screened once again on Friday on Film4, and it remains available and free to watch on the channel's streaming service.

Following the showing, viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the film, and one scene in particular that caught their attention.

The part when Considine's character Richard confronts Sonny, played by Garry Stretch, has been widely praised.

"Said this so many times but, in my humble opinion, I think this is one of the greatest scenes in British film," one person wrote.

"You can almost taste the visceral loathing that Richard (Considine) has for Sonny (Stretch). A scene of incredible tension in a superb film."

While a second said: "Just great acting from Considine and Stretch to create such an iconic scene."

"Paddy Considine in blistering form," a third put.