'A Britain within a Britain' - Bypass is a film that captures the life of those in a post-industrial world. Where Thatcher's legacy is the choice between going hungry or sleeping in a cold room.I found this film to be a breath of fresh air and a step down a path British cinema hasn't delved for far too long. Portrayals of the working class have become a rarity and austerity has become the norm. To find a film that isn't another form of escapism but has the bravery to point the camera at our own lives should be applauded. Third Films always reward those that delve deeper into their work, and Bypass is no exception, it is rife with metaphors and solemn themes that act as the undercurrent within the film, adding gravity to the choices Tim must make. The narrative picks up a swift pace, coupled with the striking cinematography of David Procter, I found myself being pulled through some intense scenes, especially when Tim's illness (a reflection of the world he lives in) begins to take hold. Each pause from the action only adds to the weight on Tim's shoulders which builds and builds to a climactic finish.George Mackay delivers a performance that makes it hard not to sympathise with Tim's plight, making it hit home that Bypass' setting isn't diegetic, but a place many of us live in.

Bypass does a brilliant job of illustrating the grim reality of what life is like when you don't have money. As the deadlines, debts and obligations mount we see the intense pressure put on Tim as he tries to hold his life together. Duane Hopkins' script shows how the UK is at a turning point, as being working class now is an aspiration rather than a reality for many.Benjamin Dilloway & George MacKay's time together on the screen is a highlight as the two brothers with different personalities, the older street smart hard man & the younger naive innocent tackle the problems life throws at the family.Chris Barwell's edit plays with space and time, giving a further sense of the lack of control the characters have over their lives.

Watching Bypass really brought me into the lives and experiences of Tim and Lilly, played respectively by George Mackay and Charlotte Spencer. The feeling of being helpless to whatever fate befalls you is enduring, and a reflection on the current malaise of Britain's youth who have been abandoned by today's ambitious, quick fix society. The film was well crafted, with excellent cinematography, soundtrack and foley that helped to create the atmosphere and prevailing sense of unease, and which was complemented excellently by the superb performance of George Mackay, and actor who will surely achieve great things. There is no generic start or ending to Tim's story, but a snippet of the lives of the characters that surround him, and it leaves you with a feeling of compassion for the characters and their future.

Great film shot in the north east of England. Tim is a great character and engaging. The film explores how Tim has to survive to make a living for him and his sister and the people he engages with. The car chase was fantastic and the cinematography was outstanding. The Q & A after with the producer was a good insight into the film. The producer talked about how long the film took from idea to completion. The funding aspect and how post production was done in Sweden. Overall, a great film which challenges the idea of the working class but never establishes as a setting where they are. Also, cleverly released during the election period. A great British film and one to watch!