In the film, three self-involved Edinburgh roommates, played by Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston, and Ewan McGregor. When he dies of an overdose, he leaves a suitcase full of money. So the trio embark on a series of very bad decisions, with extraordinarily grim consequences for all.
While it is not a great film, it is a good first film, amply demonstrating Boyle's catchy visual flair and rat-a-tat sense of tempo, as well as Hodge's ear for dialogue and intuitive sense of character dynamics
Boyle's cool manner and the performances ultimately ratchet Shallow Grave past the ranks of standard thriller fare.
Examiner.com
July 20, 2012
"Shallow Grave" is a story that goes from bad to worse to nasty during its duration. The performances are solid as you can never get a clear read on anyone's motives right until it's about to be revealed. One of the most solid debuts anyone could ask for.
This stylish, exhilarating feature debut Scottish director Boyle shows impressive command over the film medium. It's new type of British film, more influenced by Tarantino and the Coen brothers than any British tradition--Boyle is a talent to watch.
I'm not surprised that in my youth I thought Shallow Grave was a pretty cool movie. What surprises me now is that the adults at the time gave this ridiculous movie a pass.