W Delta Z (WAZ)

W Delta Z, WAZ (2007)
Directed by: Tom Shankland
Written by: Clive Bradley
Starring: Barbara Adair, Melissa George, Paul Kaye, Peter Ballance, Selma Blair, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hardy

W Delta Z (2007)

W Delta Z follows the story of veteran police detective, Eddie (Stellan Skarsgård) and his new sidekick, Helen (Melissa George), who try to uncover the culprit of the murder of local ganglord, Wesley’s pregnant girlfriend. The word WAZ had been carved into the victim’s stomach, so the pair start their investigation by visiting Wes’ gang and the rivals. The gangs blame each other whilst the body count starts to rise. The word W Delta Z is carved into each of the deceased but an extra piece is added each time. An equation. As Eddie and Helen delve deeper into the murders, they discover the disturbed killer offers their victims a choice: kill a loved one or be killed yourself.  They must try to solve the equation before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed this film. A British movie made by Tom Shankland, filmed mostly in Ireland, with a stellar cast from around the world: Stellan (Sweden), Melissa (Australia), Selma (USA) and British actors Tom Hardy, Ashley Walters and Paul Kaye to name just a few. This is a clever little film, quite dark and grim. Think Se7en, but with a British gritty tone, like Eden Lake. Then you have WAZ. It’s not a complex film, yet at the same time it makes you think. The torture scenes and blood were done to good taste and not gratutious in any way. A few things in the film caught me by surprise, which is always a good thing.

Whilst this film could really happen, I felt Eden Lake made more of an impact on me, due to it’s unfortunate relevance in today’s society. Nevertheless, W Delta Z is a good little film showcasing some great talent from across the globe.

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