Wild Bill (2012)

Critic Reviews

• Jason Best, Movie Talk

  Dexter Fletcher doesn't overplay the cowboy angle. Instead, he puts most of his efforts into creating a believable dynamic between the father and his sons, and it's in this tangled skein of shyness, suspicion, loyalty and love that the film's heart lies.

• Philip French, Observer [UK]

  [Fletcher] injects new marrow into some creaky bones.

• Lisa Giles-Keddie, Real.com

  It wears its lion heart firmly on its sleeve with bouts of good humour and sense, making it impossible not to be drawn into its rugged charm.

• , Liverpool Echo

  Suspenseful, exhilarating and genuinely moving, galvanised by strong performances and breathlessly orchestrated action sequences.

• Alex Zane, Sun Online

  Gripping, intense and with a razor-sharp wit, this marks Fletcher as one to watch.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  Why can't all British crime dramas be so well written and well acted, and have a splash of comedy as confident as this?

• Henry Fitzherbert, Daily Express

  Directed with flair by Fletcher, Wild Bill is more affecting family drama than conventional gangster pic and it's an outstanding achievement.

• Nigel Andrews, Financial Times

  Fletcher has fashioned a deft, likeable addition to a crowded genre, the cockney comedy thriller. It will be good to see how he fares when he moves on.

• Laurence Boyce, Little White Lies

  The story won't win awards for originality but Fletcher has created a film that's both charming and true to life.

• Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph

  There's more than enough good stuff here to whet the appetite for Fletcher's follow‑up.

• Trevor Johnston, Radio Times

  Works well when it sticks to its filial bonding story, but falters when it brings on singularly unconvincing neighbourhood drug dealers in an attempt to increase tension.

• Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

  An impressive directorial debut from Dexter Fletcher, thanks to a superb script, heartfelt characters, a great soundtrack and terrific performances from a fine ensemble cast.

• Graham Young, Birmingham Post

  Overall, Fletcher should be as pleased as punch with his debut efforts.

• , Film4

  One of the best British films of the year, from the mind of Dexter Fletcher, who emerges from his presenting/acting days as an exciting new writing/directorial voice.

• Elliott Noble, Sky Movies

  While eschewing the mockney flash of his Lock, Stock mucker Guy Ritchie, Fletcher's kitchen sink is brighter than most, filled more with Shane Meadows brass than Ken Loach gloom.

• Matt Mueller, Total Film

  Full of quirky, absorbing characters and performances, Fletcher's debut is a hugely enjoyable East End western and a lesson on how to avoid the excesses of the Brit-crim-com.

• , Scotsman

  Fletcher clearly relishes cinematic flourishes but applies them in broad, superficial strokes.

• Kim Newman, Empire Magazine

  A fresh, engaging debut feature, with an underlying suspense as we wait for the wild man to revert to pool-cue-wielding form and a streak of sweet, funny sentiment always in danger of being bottled by some nutcase.

• Tom Huddleston, Time Out

  There's no faulting Fletcher's unfussy, quietly impressive directorial style. A solid start.

Read all 19 critic reviews