THE BALLAD OF BILLY MCCRAE

TBC FILM

OUT 24 SEPTEMBER CINEMAS

Returning from a failed business venture in Canada, burly construction worker Chris (Ian Virgo) is warned that new boss Billy (David Hayman) is not to be trifled with – only to fall in love with his daughter Elen (Sianad Gregory). This low-budget Welsh noir is dramatically inert, focusing on an unconvincing, apathetic romance. As the film ambles towards a risible late twist, Hayman remains watchable, if hardly overstretched – Billy is no more than a variation on the hardman role we’ve seen him do better elsewhere. Chris Schilling