Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Crime, Drama, Comedy • 2013 • 97 min • Adults (18+)

Filth follows Bruce Robertson, a corrupt Edinburgh detective whose drug addiction, psychological collapse, and appetite for cruelty drive the story. Adapted from Irvine Welsh's novel, it sits comfortably in the grimy British crime-comedy tradition. The Leans Traditional label is modest and reflects the film's treatment of marginalised identities rather than any overt political stance. A same-sex affair is framed as a secret to exploit, and a trans character appears primarily as a prop in one of Bruce's cruel games. Neither portrayal offers much dignity. The film has no political agenda; it is a character study in moral disintegration. But the way it uses queer and trans identity as tools of humiliation nudges the needle away from progressive territory.
James McAvoy • Jamie Bell • Eddie Marsan
Filth follows Bruce Robertson, a corrupt Edinburgh detective whose drug addiction, psychological collapse, and appetite for cruelty drive the story. Adapted from Irvine Welsh's novel, it sits comfortably in the grimy British crime-comedy tradition. The Leans Traditional label is modest and reflects the film's treatment of marginalised identities rather than any overt political stance. A same-sex affair is framed as a secret to exploit, and a trans character appears primarily as a prop in one of Bruce's cruel games. Neither portrayal offers much dignity. The film has no political agenda; it is a character study in moral disintegration. But the way it uses queer and trans identity as tools of humiliation nudges the needle away from progressive territory.
James McAvoy • Jamie Bell • Eddie Marsan
The film primarily functions as a dark character study exploring individual moral decay, psychological trauma, and self-destruction, without explicitly promoting a specific political ideology or offering a societal solution to the problems it depicts. Its focus is on the personal tragedy of its protagonist rather than a broader political critique.
The movie features traditional casting with a predominantly white ensemble. However, its narrative explicitly portrays the white, male protagonist as profoundly corrupt and morally bankrupt, making him the central negative force of the story.
The film depicts a same-sex affair primarily as a secret vulnerability, which the abusive protagonist exploits for manipulation and degradation. This element serves to highlight the antagonist's cruelty and contributes to the overall dark and nihilistic tone, without offering any affirming or dignified portrayal of LGBTQ+ identity.
The film features Amanda Drummond, a transsexual sex worker, who is manipulated by the protagonist, Bruce, to impersonate his colleague's wife as part of a cruel prank. Her trans identity is exploited for shock value and to humiliate another character, presenting her primarily as a prop in a malicious scheme rather than a developed individual. This portrayal lacks dignity and reinforces negative stereotypes.
The film portrays the complete breakdown of a family unit due to the protagonist's severe psychological issues and self-destructive behavior, focusing on the devastating consequences of his actions rather than endorsing or critiquing specific family structures or norms.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film "Filth" is an adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel of the same name. All major and significant characters in the film maintain the same gender as established in the original source material.
The film is an adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel. Key characters, including protagonist Bruce Robertson, are portrayed by actors whose race aligns with the implicit racial depiction of those characters in the source material.
Not depicted in the film.
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources





















