Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
There's nothing like a bit of gratuitous nudity to keep the peepers peeled and, while opening with the not un-pretty Paul Nicholls streaking his way across the screen may scream ""gimmick!"", this likeable debut from writer-director Nick Love has much more substance than you might at first expect.
Once it gets past a tired, freeze-frame intro sequence (which looked old when Trainspotting did it), Goodbye Charlie Bright quickly starts sparkling thanks to a blend of believable characters and emotive plotting, making a refreshing change from the usual run-of-the-mill lads-about-town movie shenanigans. Indeed, Charlie Bright is more reminiscent of coming-out comedy Beautiful Thing, not least in the way the council estates are depicted in vivid summer hues rather than as the stone-clad hell favoured by the likes of Ken Loach. Love also wisely keeps the more established members of the cast (Phil Daniels as a psychotic Falklands veteran and David Thewlis as Charlie's dad) in the background, allowing the younger actors to shine through - - especially Roland Manookian as the blockheaded Justin.
A coming-of-age drama which, despite its faults, has plenty going for it thanks to strong performances from young actors like Paul Nicholls and some smart ideas from writer-director Nick Love. Even an appearance by Dani Behr can't derail it.
