How to analyse?
OK this is going to out me as very very very old but I've seen all this before - 1962 in fact - with John Hurt in a little film called The Wild and The Willing. That one made about as much impact as this one. Which goes to show that low-key stories about yoof going off the rails and into danger don't resonate much because actually you don't have to go to the movies for that - just check out your family, neighbours or suburb.
There's a bit of Broadway Market on screen which for afficionados of London past and present is a bonus. A couple of cafes seem much the same in 2020 as in 2011.
The B&W cinematography isn't particularly striking or sharp. It needed more contrast to create some excitement - as it was, it tended to look a bit tepid. And I'm surprised they choose to use it since colour stock these days is cheaper and I suggest would have improved the look of the film (if you're trying to show glamour please give us some).
Johnny Flynn is a definite plus playing spaced-out doomed youth with considerable charm plus two songs (one over end credits) and Antonia Campbell Hughes brings intensity to her role. They and Amber Anderson are why I'm giving this a four. All the other fellas blur together as do the other girls really but at least the girls would have enjoyed all the dressing up - clothes are fun.
But as for the rest.... Meh.
