Jeff (Wilson) is a 32 year old photographer who agrees to meet his internet chat-mate Hayley (Page). Hayley's only 14, and their conversation in the cafe is more than a little disturbing. What's he doing there? Why is she pushing so hard? Eventually, she worms her way into his house like a rebellious kid asking for trouble, while he doesn't quite protest enough. Then it suddenly shifts into something unexpected. And for the next 100 minutes both characters grapple for control.

As a thriller, films don't get much more effective than this, keeping us squirming as events twist and turn in thoroughly frightening ways. It's impossible to say any more about the plot, even though it will no doubt be splashed all over the media. But it's not the surprise that keeps us gripped; it's the deeply creepy writing and amazingly raw performances that do it.

Wilson and Page throw themselves fearlessly into these roles, alternating between charming warmth, fierce confidence, sheer terror and steely control. It's tour-de-force acting that's transparent and honest. And unforgettable. So it's only mildly irritating when a few strangely false notes sneak into the plot--moments in which the characters moralise or indulge in somewhat trite cruelty.

The only precedents for this kind of film are the remarkable male-female freak-out The Business of Strangers and Richard Linklater's claustrophobic Tape, films that are contained so tightly that they become almost unbearable to watch. Like those films, this one has a vivid sense of visual style. Director Slade drenches us in deep colours and glaring light, turning everyday objects and surfaces into something menacing. He shoots in uncomfortable close-up, which gets us into the minds of the characters and gives an emotional kick to the drastic mood swings.

This is an intense film that unpeels the layers of both victims and predators, leaving no one feeling safe. It's a little over-long, and by the end we don't really want either of these nasty people to "win". But it's the kind of film that really gets under our skin. And stays there.

strong themes, language, violence

13.Feb.06