Shell is a gripping and lonely film which follows the life of a father, Pete (Joseph Mawle), and his teenage daughter, Shell (Chloe Pirrie), who live in a remote petrol station in the Scottish Highlands. They spend their time doing chores and tending to the needs of rare passing motorists.

Pete is a battered wreck who has never recovered from losing his wife who left when Shell was a baby. Shell is wild and timid. Both Shell and her father feel trapped. Shell loves her father and she won’t break his heart by leaving him like her mother did. Too further complicate matters her father also suffers from epilepsy and relies on her support.

This is a film about being trapped and lonely. The director (Scott Graham) and actors do a great job of getting these feelings across to the audience. The atmosphere is set perfectly by the haunting desolate landscape and the excellent sound and camera work. This is not the most enthralling or uplifting film but it does achieve its objectives. The film is gripping and flows well. It is definitely worth seeing.

6.5/10