'Hunger' worthy of accolades

Cert 15

Drama

Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen recreates the hunger strikes of the early ‘80s in the Maze Prison just outside of Belfast in this harrowing narrative feature film debut.

The story begins with prison officer Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham) who is part of the team in charge of the H-Blocks.

He arrives at work to welcome new inmate Davey Gillen (Brian Milligan), who is flung into a cell with fellow non-conformer Gerry Campbell (Liam McMahon).

At Sunday Mass, Davey is introduced to H-Block leader, Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender).

Like his fellow prisoners, Bobby is brutalised by the guards and after one particularly vicious encounter, he resolves to protest by starving to death.

'Hunger' is an immersive and disorienting piece of cinema, awash with haunting images. Nobody emerges with a clear conscience.

Star rating: 5/5