VS.

A movie with flair and force.

A compelling drama that transcends its generic roots.

The formula may be worn from a dozen or more Hollywood pictures covering the same ground. But the novelty of the setting and the working class characters and accents — “D’y-knowhutImean?” — are fresh.

It’s exciting to see this underground scene finding an outlet on screen. As an exploration of contemporary youth culture, masculinity, identity and sexuality, as well as life at the margins, VS. is topical and energising.

For all the impressive qualities of the picture, it does feel as though there is a rigid upper-age limit for its audience.