Simon Dillon reviews the film

Just in case there's any confusion, Tyrannosaur, Paddy Constantine's debut film, isn't about dinosaurs. It is a powerful, hard-hitting story about the nature of anger. Some will dismiss this as little more than a journey into misery, but for those who can stomach it, there are some genuinely important issues it grapples with.

In the opening scene, Joe (Peter Mullan) kicks his dog to death in a fit of rage. Immediately regretting what he has done, he buries the animal, but we, the audience, judge him. He is a reprehensible character. But is he? As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Joe has deliberately distanced himself from other people because he can't trust himself. He is a man struggling to get his anger under control. He is trying, but failing.

At this point, Joe meets Hannah (Olivia Colman), a Christian charity shop worker. She prays for him and he breaks down in tears. The two form an unlikely bond, but it soon becomes apparent that Hannah's brutally abusive husband James (Eddie Marsden) has not taken kindly to their friendship. And by brutally abusive I must emphasise the 18 certificate nature of what we are dealing with here. Tyrannosaur is absolutely unflinching, dealing out ferocious scenes of domestic abuse and rape, as well as an ocean of extremely strong language throughout. But none of the afore-mentioned material is out of context or there for titillation, nor is it pornographic. It is, rather, an exceptionally powerful depiction of the appalling consequences anger has for those who cannot control it.

In the story of Cain and Abel, God warned Cain that "Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Genesis chapter 4 verse 7). On a spiritual level, it is clear that with anger there is a choice involved, and this is something the film depicts very powerfully. (SPOILER WARNING) Ultimately Joe has to choose not to give in to anger. If he does, he knows he will end up like James. It is also hinted that Joe's unselfish actions towards Hannah are what ultimately enable him to make the choice to reject anger and move on. The moral is understated but clear - taking your eyes off your own problems and helping someone else can lead to breakthrough in whatever you are struggling with.

The performances are all superb. Peter Mullan is as brilliant here as he was in On a Clear Day, Eddie Marsden is terrifying, and Olivia Colman is nothing less than phenomenal. In her portrayal of a genuinely kind-hearted Christian struggling in an absolutely appalling situation, she is completely convincing in every respect. I would have preferred a little more redemption in the story, especially as Hannah's faith is treated very respectfully, though unfortunately it is depicted as ultimately powerless to save her from what ensues. On the other hand, not everyone (Christian or otherwise) has the strength to walk away from an abusive relationship, so what ultimately happens to her is true to character.

I must reiterate that this is not a film for the faint-hearted, but in spite of some very hard-to-watch scenes, this is a tough, emotional and thought-provoking piece of work. And once again, for those who weren't paying attention: it's not about dinosaurs.