Redundant and unnecessary.

Good concept, poorly executed.

Fresh and Exciting

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Friends Juliet, David and Alex are looking for a flatmate to share their Edinburgh home; after interviewing several people they give the room to Hugo. Soon there is no sign of him; at first they think he just left but his car is still parked outside and his room is locked from the inside. They force their way in and discover Hugo's dead body along with a suitcase full of money. It doesn't take them long to decide to keep the money and dispose of the body.Things soon start to go wrong; they draw lots to decide who should remove the body's identifying features and David loses… after this deed the shy character starts to become unhinged. In order to stop the others spending the money he hides it in the water tank in the flat's loft then sits up there guarding it. The money is not unmissed; a couple of murderous thugs are looking for it and they are using extreme methods to question anybody who might know where it is; inevitably they finally discover where Hugo was living. At this point Juliet and Alex discover just how dangerous David has become. By now each of them has determined to take the money and leave… that will be far from easy.This is a great little film populated by surprisingly unlikeable characters. From the opening scene, where the trio belittle most of those applying to become their flat mate. Some people may be but off by these characters but I found they made the film more interesting. The story is fairly simple but still gripping; it is also quite disturbing at times; especially towards the end when there are some wince inducing moments. The small cast did a fine job; Kerry Fox and Ewan McGregor impress as Juliet and Alex but it is Christopher Eccleston who really shines as David as he becomes more and more unhinged. While these three dominate the film they are ably supported by Ken Stott, as DI McCall and Keith Allen as Hugo. Overall I'd certainly recommend this but it certainly isn't for younger viewers or those who think a film should feature at least one likable main character.

First of all, I'll address what seems to be the primary criticism about 'Shallow Grave,' i.e. the three main characters are as shallow as the graves they dig for their victims. Even the usually charming Ewan McGregor is as nasty and spiteful as his two flatmates, played by Christopher Ecleston and Kerry Fox.So, if you're looking for a film where you can truly identify with a bunch of nice, loyal, brave heroes, then Danny Boyle's first film probably isn't for you.But, if you can put up with the deliberately dark tones of the film, you should enjoy it. The three stuck-up friends come into possession of a suitcase-load of money (courtesy of a forth flatmate - now deceased). They - naturally - think they're entitled to it and set about having a jolly good time.If the film really did contain such unlikeable characters as some people seem to hate it for, then I doubt it would ever have been considered the classic that it is. I think we tolerate these selfish individuals because we know that, once they've decided not to turn the money over to the proper authorities, then retribution is never far from their door.It's not as stylish as Trainspotting, as Hollywood as A Life Less Ordinary, as action-packed as 28 Days Later, or deep and aspiring as Slumdog Millionaire, but it is a great and raw flick from undoubtedly one of Britain's finest modern film-makers. Definitely worth a watch.

Immediately they should have hidden the money. Then call the police about the body. Then when all the investigating is over split the money. And each goes their own way. Until they meet again all prosperous. But apart from that it was a tight all suspenseful movie. Never undermine anybody! Thing is my way would not have got that guy all messed up. Love the snappy humor. Could they not have chopped the body up together? Done pieces in turns maybe? Share the responsibility. My favorite part was when under questioning the chick was asked whether she remembers people by their faces or names best. And being a nurse she says "diseases". Then the investigator says that just like her he recalls people's behavior by their crimes. I do recommend this movie.

Christopher Eccleston, Ewan McGregor and Kerry Fox give solidly disturbing leading performances as three flat mates who attempt to cover up a murder in an attempt to gain a handsome stash of cash from the victim.The plot is simple enough and the characters in the film have well developed personalities and attributes. Eccleston is particularly impressive as he begins to form a paranoid schizophrenic following guilt of the act he played a vital part in.Ewan McGregor adds a delicate essence of dark humour while Fox is a rather complex character who you never fully understand.'Shallow Grave' is a solid thriller which has a great casting line up but many parts of the film are rather peculiar and the climax is frustrating if cleverly accomplished.