Watch Killed By My Debt

Killed By My Debt is a timely and gut-wrenching drama that explores the devastating consequences of spiraling debt and the pressures that can lead people to make desperate and dangerous decisions. The film tells the true story of Jerome Rogers, a young motorcycle courier in London struggling to make ends meet and keep up with his mounting debts. When his scooter is clamped and impounded, he is hit with a massive fine he can't afford to pay. With no other options and his debts growing by the day, Jerome is pushed to the brink and forced to take drastic measures to try and escape his dire situation.

The opening scenes of the film immediately set the tone for the tough and gritty story that is to follow. We see Jerome on his scooter, dodging cars and weaving through traffic in a frantic rush to get his deliveries done on time. It's a high-pressure job, and he's constantly battling against the clock to earn enough money to pay his rent and other bills. As the film progresses, we see him struggling to hold his life together as the pressure mounts and the bills continue to pile up. The stark realism of the film's depiction of life on the poverty line is both arresting and disturbing, and it's impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of empathy for Jerome and his struggles.

The film's central performance comes from Tamara Alexander, who plays Jerome's girlfriend, Kirsty. Alexander gives a raw and emotional performance that perfectly captures the desperation and vulnerability of a woman trying to support her partner through a time of extreme hardship. She is the voice of reason in Jerome's life, urging him to seek help and warning him of the dangers of getting involved with loan sharks and other dangerous characters. Her performance is powerful and affecting, and it's impossible not to feel a sense of anger and frustration at the societal forces that have put this couple in such a vulnerable position.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Owen Brazendale delivering a standout performance as Jerome. Brazendale perfectly captures his character's youthful energy and boundless optimism in the early stages of the film, before slowly revealing the darker and more dangerous side of his personality as the story progresses. Juliet Cowan is also excellent in her role as Jerome's boss, offering a sympathetic and understanding ear to her struggling employee and highlighting the everyday realities of life in modern Britain.

The film is directed by Joseph Bull and Luke Seomore, who make effective use of handheld cameras and close-ups to convey the claustrophobic and overwhelming nature of Jerome's situation. They also make smart use of montage, juxtaposing the fast-paced action of Jerome's job with the stasis and impotence of his debt crisis. The film's climax is both shocking and devastating, a powerful statement on the cycle of debt and the dangers of desperation.

Killed By My Debt is a film that demands to be seen, a powerful and timely drama that speaks to the struggles faced by millions of people around the world. It's a moving and thought-provoking exploration of poverty, debt, and the human cost of economic inequality, offering a stark warning about the dangers of the unchecked growth of credit and the need for greater social support for those struggling at the margins. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on difficult truths and challenge us to reconsider our assumptions about society and the world we live in.