The Ballad of Billy McCrae

After seeing some good reviews I was looking forward to seeing this movie but in the end it was a big disappointment. There is no getting round the fact this is an extremely low budget movie, the principal actors do their best but they were fighting a losing battle. Speaking of fighting, the several fight sequences didn't seem to be planned or rehearsed and are unconvincing. The plot is predictable and where this effort could have been a gritty crime drama the slightly ethereal camera work and constant mornful soundtrack undermine any sense of realism.

I must say the poster tagline "They were glad to see him die" is a bit misleading but no spoilers. A good watch at 93 minutes indeed!

The Ballad of Billy McCrae is a story of love and hate and murder, set against the backdrop of industrial South Wales. A taut psychological thriller about three compelling, flawed, iconic characters. This is a classic film noir full of emotional danger and sensual attraction.

'The Ballad Of Billy McCrae' is a film about damage and dysfunction, a film about flawed people, emotionally stunted people, people who can't see far beyond their own desires, dreams and greed.

• Director Chris Crow

It was filmed in July 2019 and has been acquired for international sales by German-based sales firm Media Luna and produced by Cymru Films in association with Sterling Pictures.

US rights have been purchased by Gravitas Ventures and the film will be released in the States in 2021.