Filth

Bruce is a corrupt and volatile Glasgow detective who hides his growing dependence on drugs behind a sharp wit and a loud bravado. He treats colleagues with cynicism and leverage, twisting every situation to serve his own ascent within the force. A brittle sense of self and a worsening personality disorder blur the lines between reality and fantasy as he hatches schemes, fabricates evidence, and weaponizes personal weaknesses to gain favor. His days are a mix of late night binges, petty intimidation, and reckless decisions that threaten his career and the people around him. Ambition becomes a dangerous map guiding his increasingly reckless climb. The story leans into a grim humor around power and temptation.

Directed by Jon S Baird, Filth adapts Irvine Welsh's novel and arrived in 2013 with James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, and Imogen Poots leading the cast; the production was completed on a 5 million budget.

The film's blunt, blackly comic take on a flawed cop set in Glasgow earned it a dedicated following among fans of Irvine Welsh and dark British cinema. McAvoy's intense performance drew attention for its stamina and range, contributing to a trend of bold genre blends in UK crime stories. Its brisk pacing and grim Glasgow atmosphere reinforce the sense that ambition feeds a cycle of self destruction.

Critical reaction was solid but not overwhelming, with praise for McAvoy's fearless portrayal and the film's audacious combo of sharp dialogue, violence, and dark humor. Some critics found the tone uneven or the satire too harsh, yet many agreed the film offered a sharp look at power, addiction, and what people will do for advancement. The central theme is how desire for status corrupts judgment while exposing the fragility of the person behind the badge, a portrait that sticks with you well after the credits roll.