Outcast

This striking horror debut transplants the ancient Celtic mythology of shape-shifting Sidhes (pronounced Siths) to a grim Edinburgh estate, where shy teenager Fergal (Neil Bruton) is kept safe from evil by the symbols his mother, Mary (Kate Dickie), daubs on the walls. Ignoring Mary’s warnings, Fergal fights with hoodies and falls for street-smart Petronella (Hannah Stanbridge). This makes him visible and vulnerable to his estranged father Cathal (James Nesbitt), a ‘hunter’ who has until the full moon to kill mother and son. Locals are torn apart by a flesh-ripping creature, but has Cathal or Fergal unleashed his beast? Boldly ambiguous, this cautionary fairy tale benefits hugely from Nesbitt’s scary turn as vengeful Cathal and Dickie’s fierce portrayal of witch-like Mary. See this on the big screen; on DVD, its scuzzy visuals and nervy sound design will be reduced.