The Intent

Award-winning, London-based independent film company Purple Geko, in collaboration with Nicky Slimting Films, have released their first action thriller, The Intent. Writer, director, and actor, Femi Oyeniran, stuns his audience with a chilling and truthful portrayal of Southeast London gang rivalry.

Rooted in this dodgy and unpredictable territory of the capital, the enmity between two groups, the TIC crew and The Clappers, escalates to the point of no return. Gunz (Dylan Duffus), an undercover police officer, is thrust into a life of excitement and danger when he joins the TIC crew. Their deals go from low-level weed pedalling to high-risk armed robbery virtually overnight, and Gunz reaps the reward but forgets the risk. Hoodz (Scorcher), the leader of the newly formed TIC crew (aka Thieves in the Community), thinks of himself as a ruthless Robin Hood, taking from the rich and giving to himself. He pillages local businesses while armed with big guns and no conscience, ending anyone who stands in his way. Not only does the gang catch the attention of their rivals, The Clappers, but also of the police. Gunz is presented with a choice to either stay a criminal and loyal to his crew, or to do his duty and abide by the force.

The Intent stands out, not for portraying a topic that isn’t often seen in film, but for producing what seems like a very accurate portrayal of London drug dealing. From the beginning, is it clear that the protagonists didn’t choose this life, but were born into it, and these childish rivalries are an inevitable consequence of a flourishing family business. Dylan Duffus as the undercover Gunz is an unassuming character with a dangerous secret, which he conveys with his aloof behaviour. English grime artist Scorcher gives a commendable performance as Hoodz with his domineering presence and swagger. The pulsing soundtrack to the movie is by far the most memorable, as it captures the essence of the community. Overall, a high-pressure, action-packed film.

Dominique Perrett

The Intent is released nationwide on 29^th July 2016.

Watch the trailer for The Intent here: