Ill Manors is a British crime drama film written and directed by musician and rapper Ben Drew, also known as Plan B. The film is set in Forest Gate, a suburb in East London that is marked by its high levels of social and economic deprivation. The movie consists of six interlinked stories, which take place over a period of seven days. The characters are all connected in some way, either through their drug use, poverty or criminal activities.
The film follows the stories of various characters, such as Aaron, a young drug dealer trying to make a living in a violent and unforgiving world; Katya, a sex worker enslaved to a dangerous pimp; Chris, a small-time crook who gets in over his head with a group of Albanians; Ed, a local council worker struggling to keep order in the community; Michelle, a drug-addicted single mother desperate to keep her child safe; and Kirby, a young man with a troubled past who is trying to turn his life around.
As the stories progress, they become increasingly intertwined, revealing a complex web of relationships and motivations. The movie explores issues of power, corruption, violence, and redemption in a raw and uncompromising way. It challenges traditional notions of good and evil, portraying its characters as multidimensional and often sympathetic despite their flaws and mistakes.
Ill Manors combines a gritty, documentary-style approach with a pulsating and eclectic soundtrack that blends hip-hop, grime, and soul music. The film marks Ben Drew's directorial debut and has been praised for its social realism, strong performances, and bold visual style. It is a sobering and provocative portrayal of life on the margins of society that leaves a lasting impression.
