Watch Bashment

Bashment is a British crime drama film from 2011. The movie follows the story of JJ (Arnie Hewitt), a rising DJ in the UK garage music scene, struggling to balance his ambition with his obligations to his family and community. JJ dreams of becoming a successful musician and leaving behind his mundane job at a local supermarket. Despite the challenges, JJ thinks he might just have his big break when he is offered a gig at a legendary club in Ibiza.

However, things start to go wrong for JJ when he becomes involved with a local drug dealer, Troy (Donovan Christian-Cary) who introduces JJ to a lifestyle of drugs and crime. Their relationship becomes increasingly toxic, with Troy manipulating JJ into doing his bidding. Meanwhile, JJ's childhood friend and former garage music partner, Alex (Cole Dines), who is now a police officer, finds himself in a dilemma when JJ's involvement in drug trafficking is discovered by the authorities.

Narrated in a non-linear style, Bashment takes us on a journey through the lives of these characters, exploring their struggles and motivations. The movie touches on themes of ambition, loyalty, friendship, and betrayal. The soundtrack of the film features some of the biggest names in the UK garage and grime music scene, helping to transport the viewer to the world and sound of the film.

One of the highlights of the film is the strong performances from the lead actors. Arnie Hewitt gives a convincing portrayal of the ambitious JJ, while Donovan Christian-Cary's performance as the manipulative and menacing Troy is compelling to watch. Cole Dines delivers a nuanced performance as Alex, trying to balance his duty as an officer of the law with his loyalty to his friend.

Another standout aspect of the film is its depiction of the London ghetto and the UK garage scene. The movie immerses the viewer into the gritty and vibrant world of urban London, depicting the struggles and dreams of its characters. The garage music scene is also showcased in a dignified light, highlighting its cultural significance and its role in shaping the lives of young people.

Despite its strengths, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing of the movie can be slow at times, and some scenes feel unnecessary or drawn-out. The non-linear narrative structure, although interesting, can also be confusing, as it jumps back and forth in time without clear indication.

Overall, Bashment is a solid British crime drama movie that offers an insight into the world of UK garage music and the lives of the people living in urban London. Although the film has its weaknesses, its strong performances, nuanced characters, and authentic depiction of the music scene make it a worthwhile watch.

Bashment is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.