The actor Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) follows up his directorial debut, pop biopic Telstar: the Joe Meek Story, with another London-set true story. Sadly, in relating Kevin Lewis's journey from physically and emotionally abused child to bestselling novelist, Moran displays a tendency towards melodrama that overwhelms the story. Rupert Friend gives a fine performance as the grown-up Lewis, who spent his early adult years caught up in London's criminal underworld. Less successful is Natascha McElhone - almost unrecognisable behind panto-hag make-up - who portrays Lewis's abusive mother like a wicked witch, while Ioan Gruffudd struggles with thin characterisation as a kind and supportive teacher. And the urbane James Fox is arguably the last actor you would choose to play a south London foster dad. There are occasional moments, though, that indicate that Moran is still honing his directorial craft. Consider this part of that learning curve.

Based on the real life story of Kevin Lewis, the film follows his childhood of abuse, his descent into a life of crime and the way he put his life together again afterwards.