The Most Uncomfortable Movie Characters Depicting the UK

When it comes to films that depict the UK, certain characters leave an indelible mark on audiences. From rebellious working-class youth to a mentally unstable contract killer, these individuals showcase the darker facets of British society. In this article, we explore three films and the uncomfortable characters that they feature.

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960)

“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,” released in 1960, is a classic examination of working-class life in Nottingham. The lead character is Arthur, played by the late great Albert Finney.

Arthur, the Rebellious Soul

Arthur is a quintessential working-class figure, rebellious and often stirring up trouble. The title of the film refers to his life post-work, highlighting his nights of drinking and street brawls. During the weekends, he pursues an extramarital affair, which ultimately leads to unintended consequences for both him and his girlfriend.

While the film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a kitchen-sink drama that showcases the realities of working-class life, Arthur’s character is particularly discomforting. His constant desire to challenge the status quo and subvert normalcy hints at a deeper psychological instability. At their best, characters like Arthur can be seen as angry and resentful troublemakers; at their worst, they transform into psychopathic narcissists.

Kill List (2011)

Kill List, released in 2011, is a psychological horror that delves into the mind of Jay, an ex-soldier turned contract killer. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is haunted by memories of a botched mission in Kyiv.

Psychosis and PTSD

Jay is portrayed as menacing, angry, and uncouth. He has a son and a wife who urge him to take a normal job, but his PTSD drives him to seek out contract work. The film’s plot thickens with each kill, leading Jay to uncover disturbing secrets and hallucinations. His final kill is perhaps the most unsettling: executing his own family.

Neil Maskell’s performance as Jay is commendable. His consistently scowling face and venomous tone make him an unsettling character. The film is a heightened portrayal of a mentally unstable man, reflecting the potential horrors of PTSD.

Eden Lake (2008)

Eden Lake (2008) is a brutal portrayal of savagery, set in a working-class community near London. The primary characters are the parents of a group of delinquent teenagers, known as Chavs.

The Parents: Monsters in Disguise

The parents in Eden Lake are highly critical of their children’s behavior and often nebulous in their moral upbringing. They are complicit in their children’s criminal activities and react savagely to threats against their family. One of the most discomforting scenes occurs when one of the parents discovers that her son has been murdered. The transformation from seemingly ordinary individuals to monsters is both shocking and distressing.

While the violence in the film is not onscreen, the psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon the main character, Jenny, during the final scenes is deeply uncomfortable. The parents’ transformation from protective parents to vengeful killers heightens the sense of unease in the film.

Conclusion

The characters in these films, while fictional, provide a striking portrayal of different facets of UK society. From the societal tension in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning to the psychological horror of Kill List, and the raw violence in Eden Lake, these films offer a glimpse into the discomforting realities of British life. Whether through rebellion, psychopathy, or vengeance, these characters leave a lasting impression on those who dare to explore them.

Keyword Tags: UK movie characters, Arthur rivalry, Kill List horror, Eden Lake violence