Let's cut to the chase: 'Bait' is not your typical feel-good movie. With a shoestring budget of just £180k, this British thriller manages to deliver raw intensity that'll leave you gripping your seat.

The story follows Bex and Dawn (played brilliantly by Victoria Smurfit and Joanne Mitchell), two women desperate to open a tea shop. When traditional banks turn them down, they fall into the clutches of Jeremy - a loan shark with psychopathic tendencies. Jonathan Slinger's performance as Jeremy is terrifyingly authentic, making you believe in the real-life monsters lurking in society's shadows.

What surprised me most was the production quality. For such a small budget, the makeup effects (particularly the violence scenes) are shockingly well-done. The digital effects by Neale Myers hold up surprisingly well on Blu-ray too.

Now for the hard truth: this isn't for everyone. The violence is graphic and unrelenting - especially against women. While some viewers appreciate its realism, others might find it gratuitous. I personally felt conflicted - impressed by the filmmaking but disturbed by some sequences.

The Blu-ray extras provide interesting behind-the-scenes insights that make you appreciate the filmmakers' achievements given their constraints. Director Dominic Brunt clearly knows how to maximize minimal resources.

Final verdict? If you enjoy gritty, realistic thrillers with outstanding performances and can handle extreme content, 'Bait' delivers surprising value. But sensitive viewers should steer clear - this tea shop dream turns into a full-blown nightmare.