The Hood Trilogy (2006-16)

KiDULTHOOD (2006)

Dir. Menhaj Huda

A hard-hitting drama set in the suburbs of west London exploring what daily life is like for a small number of teenagers in mid-2000s era Britain, most of whom are approximately fifteen-years-old. Many folks, especially parents, will be offended or even outraged by the use of language, violence, drugs and sex in the film, but that doesn't mean it isn't an accurate reflection of what's actually happening on the streets outside their front door.

The activities and friends are spread out over a small area and a few short days, culminating in the kind of unsupervised teenage house-party that rarely goes off without a hitch.

For at least two of the youths it's a build-up and event that's nothing short of life-changing, in the most unforgettable ways.

AdULTHOOD (2008)

Dir. Noel Clarke

For those that survive the crucible of kidulthood comes adulthood, naturally, but not necessarily with a willingness to embrace the reflective responsibilities that often accompany it.

Taking place six years after the tragic event that ended the first film, Sam has matured but the streets haven't; youths who are willing to embrace violence as a way of life and adults who are eager to exploit them are still plentiful.

In order to bury his former life, Sam must confront his past one more time, which means going face to face with the people that his previous action left most affected.

Not all of the actors are memorable, but writer/director/actor Noel Clarke does fantastic work in his triple role. The aura of regret and sadness that surrounds his character is never overplayed, subtly keeping relevant the acknowledgement that physical and emotional scars can change a person deep down. The middle section could've been tighter, it feels as if it's circling a little too much, but the last half hour kicks everything into high gear, effectively driving home the desperation and need for acceptance that a life forged on the streets can lead an individual to.

BrOTHERHOOD (2016)

Dir. Noel Clarke

Adulthood proved that Sam (Noel Clarke) was a character worth exploring. In Brotherhood he's ten years older and, thankfully, somewhat wiser. His current role is one that he takes seriously, but his methods, although not for wholly selfish reasons, are damaging in their own way.

As before, an element of Sam's past is responsible for the external conflict, pressuring him to call upon his violent side in order to make things right again. That's all well and good in theory, but it's presented as cockney gangster scenes that were, frankly, a terrible mistake.

When Clarke sticks to what he knows, when he respects his own limitations, there's some REALLY powerful stuff to be found. It's a patchy but worthwhile end to the trilogy.

NOTE: a parody named Anuvahood, co-directed by the actor who played Jay in the first two films (here called 'K'), was released in 2011. If you enjoy The Hood Trilogy it would be natural to be curious about it, but unless you're a fan of shite, soulless parody films it's not something that's worth even ten minutes of your time.