One Life Stand

This micro-budget Scottish drama is allegedly Britain's first DV feature. Thomas concentrates her unflinching gaze on Trise, the single mother of an 18-year-old son living on the poverty line in Glasgow. While John Paul gets a job as a 'model' (read: male escort), his mam starts working in a call centre reading tarot cards down the phone. Befriending young colleague Justine, Trise deludes herself that she might be a suitable girlfriend for her lad. The cards don't hold up any such hope. Slightly overlong, the film nevertheless maintains a grim and memorable composure, and Thomas is evidently a talent to watch.