What Richard Did

This is thought-provoking, perceptive film-making.

The film has a mesmerisingly vivid things-just-happen feel to it.

If What Richard Did is sometimes a little too understated for its own good, this is still a classy piece of work which convincingly captures the emotionally complex, morally murky texture of real life.

DP David Grennan and [Lenny] Abrahamson have a fine touch with the volatile ensemble dynamics of kids with high energy, quick tempers and the fragile vulnerability of youth.

As smoothly shot as a classy ad, slow-moving and short on spark, What Richard Did compels with its sensitivity and technical diligence, but crawls along in terms of onscreen energy and narrative tension.

You may be shocked by your own reactions to "what Richard did," but you won't soon forget the movie in which he did them.

It's a tough tale of adolescence and the preciousness of life that hits a whole new level of emotion in the aftermath of its life-altering event.

While [Lenny] Abrahamson's patience in setting the scene and establishing the social dynamics among the characters is admirable, his efforts make the film top-heavy with exposition and rather repetitive carousing sequences.

The young, largely unknown cast are uniformly superb with Jack Reynor outstanding as Richard as he carries him from initial buoyant confidence into crisis and then, the final descent into self-flagellating acceptance.

Up-and-coming actor Jack Reynor delivers an astonishing performance as Richard, evoking both sympathy and contempt from the audience.