Let's address the elephant in the room first - yes, Bait is unapologetically violent and grim. But considering its tiny £180k budget (less than most TV commercials!), this British thriller delivers way more than you'd expect.

The story follows two women trying to open a tea shop, getting entangled with a psychopathic loan shark. What makes it disturbing is how realistic the violence feels - no Hollywood glamour here. The makeup and digital effects team deserve awards for making every punch and wound feel terrifyingly authentic.

Jonathan Slinger's performance as Jeremy the loan shark will haunt you. He perfectly captures that chilling 'nice guy' facade real predators use. The violence against women is hard to watch (fair warning!), but reflects ugly truths about financial predators in our society.

While not for everyone (seriously, check your tolerance for graphic content), I've watched it three times! The raw energy, great acting (Victoria Smurfit and Joanne Mitchell are fantastic), and that shocking opening scene with unexpected nudity make it memorable.

Final verdict? If you like gritty British crime films with social commentary beneath the blood, Bait delivers. Just don't expect to feel good afterwards - this one sticks with you like a bad debt.