Pusher

Something’s been lost in translation in this Brit remake of ‘Drive’ director Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 cult hit ‘Pusher’ ­– a sweaty, buzzing trip into the underbelly of Copenhagen. It’s re-imagined here as another cheap ’n’ nasty London gangster flick. Richard Coyle is miscast (too friendly-faced by half) as dealer Frank. After getting busted with a kilo of coke, he’s in debt to kingpin Milo (Zlatko Buric, who had the same part in the original). The clock ticks as Frank hustles.The reason to watch is two performances, the first from supermodel-turned-actress Agyness Deyn as Frank’s stripper girlfriend. And before anyone rolls their eyes, yes, she’s terrific, giving warmth and soul to the usual tart-with-a-heart role. As for Buric, asking him to reprise Milo – a clammy, sumo beast of a man – must have been a no-brainer. He’s a joy: all sugar and spice and murderous menace. When he tells Frank that he loves him like a son, he might as well be reaching for the pliers.