The three leads residing in the Edinburgh flat of Shallow Grave are terrible people. They’re obnoxious snobs that like to lord over potential roommates simply because they can. So you can imagine that it’s rather hilarious to see them get torn apart– not just because of themselves generally, but precisely because their snobbish roommate selection process chose the absolute wrong person to room with. Director Danny Boyle captures that meltdown with excellent shots and an electronic soundtrack, with compelling performances that balances the dark humor with the thrill, pairing the seemingly silly contempt they have for others with the real mistrust that lays between them even before money enters their lives. There are certain moments that do feel familiar, but on the whole, Shallow Grave digs deeper than expected.

Ewan McGregor is great, and this collaboration with Danny Boyle led to even more intriguing roles, but to be honest, whoever chose the flat for the film… It’s a great flat! The stairs, the kitchen, the living area… No wonder the three of them weren’t in a hurry to find a roommate.