At times, the atmosphere of claustrophobic sexual tension is overwhelming, but there's real sadness and sensitivity here, as well as a desperately poignant performance from Morton.

Samantha Morton, all of 20, throws herself wholeheartedly into the complex part.

In her feature debut, Adler shapes her film gracefully and elicits a scorching no-holds-barred, totally selfless portrayal from Morton.

A frank, fearless film from a director carving out her place in a strong British tradition.