Watch The Violators

The Violators is a British drama film that was released in 2015. The movie centers around the life of two teenage girls, Shelly (played by Lauren McQueen) and Rachel (played by Brogan Ellis), who are from a deprived working-class area in the North West of England. Both girls are struggling with their own demons and are trying to escape their difficult home lives in different ways.

Shelly is a troubled and rebellious 15 year old who is trying to come to terms with the recent death of her father. She is also dealing with physical abuse from her mother's abusive boyfriend, Ian (played by Stephen Lord), who is also a police officer. Shelly also has a strained relationship with her mother, who is constantly absent due to her job as a nurse.

Rachel, on the other hand, is a quiet and introverted 13 year old who is dealing with her own trauma. She was sexually abused by Ian when she was younger, and is now coping with the aftermath of the abuse. Rachel is also trying to find solace in her friendship with Shelly, as she tries to navigate her way through her complicated emotions.

As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that both girls are looking for a way out of their respective situations. Shelly is determined to escape her mother's abusive boyfriend, and is also trying to avoid getting into trouble with the law. Rachel, meanwhile, is trying to come to terms with her past and heal from her trauma.

Their lives become intertwined when Shelly is tasked with looking after Rachel after she is caught stealing. As they spend more time together, they start to form a bond and learn from each other. Shelly becomes protective of Rachel and tries to shield her from Ian, while Rachel teaches Shelly the value of compassion and trust. However, as the film progresses, their difficult circumstances threaten to tear them apart.

Directed by Helen Walsh, The Violators is a thought-provoking and visceral portrayal of the struggles that many working-class teenagers face in the UK. With its gritty realism and strong performances from its two leads, the movie offers a nuanced and empathetic take on the themes of abuse, trauma, and survival. It also sheds light on the often overlooked issue of child abuse by those in positions of authority, and the cyclical nature of poverty and abuse.

The film was lauded by critics for its powerful portrayal of its two young leads. Lauren McQueen, in particular, received praise for her portrayal of the tough, troubled Shelly. Brogan Ellis was also widely commended for her emotional performance as Rachel, who is dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse. Stephen Lord gave a convincing and chilling portrayal of the abusive Ian, who is a sinister reminder of the systemic nature of child abuse.

Overall, The Violators is a gripping and heart-wrenching film that explores the complexities of growing up in difficult circumstances. It offers a raw and unflinching look at the challenges faced by young people living on the margins of society, and the resilience and strength necessary to survive. With its strong performances and compelling script, The Violators is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the human experience.

The Violators is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 60.