Filth

Filth

Year: 2014

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Jon S. Baird

DramaComedyCrime

Driven by a desperate need for recognition and advancement, Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson manipulates his colleagues and exploits a gruesome murder investigation. Employing sharp wit and calculated strategies, he attempts to outsmart his superiors and seize a coveted promotion. However, his ambition and flawed methods lead him down a dangerous path, blurring the lines between justice and personal gain.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Filth (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Filth (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This city serves as the backdrop for a dark tale of crime and morality, representing a juxtaposition of beauty and decay. The atmosphere is often overshadowed by rain, adding to the film's tone of despair.

🏛️ City 🌧️ Scotland

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Main Characters – Filth (2014)

Meet the key characters of Filth (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy)

Bruce Robertson is a deeply flawed and manipulative Detective Sergeant whose intelligence is overshadowed by his moral decay. He indulges excessively in drugs and debauchery while engaging in psychological games with his colleagues. His descent into madness as he tries to solve a murder case reflects his complex character and troubled psyche.

🧠 Mental Health 🚔 Police ⚔️ Corruption

Clifford Blades (Eddie Marsan)

Clifford Blades is Robertson's mild-mannered colleague who becomes a target of Robertson's cruel pranks. Despite his kindness, he is deeply affected by Robertson's manipulation and bullying. His character represents the fallout of toxic dynamics in the workplace, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

👔 Victim 🕊️ Innocence 📞 Manipulation

Bunty (Imogen Poots)

Bunty is a character caught in the crossfire of Robertson's machinations, characterized by her attraction to him despite his predatory behavior. Her desire for affection and validation reveals her vulnerability and offers a contrasting perspective to Robertson's manipulative tactics. Bunty's naive participation in his schemes marks her as both a victim and an unwitting accomplice.

💔 Vulnerability 💋 Attraction ⚖️ Consequences

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Major Themes – Filth (2014)

Explore the central themes of Filth (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😈 Corruption

The film dives into themes of corruption and abuse of power, as Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson manipulates those around him for personal gain. His unethical behavior and scheming betray the very essence of law enforcement, showcasing how ambition can cloud judgment. The characters reflect a corrupt system where moral boundaries are blurred.

💔 Mental Health

Mental health is a significant theme as Robertson grapples with borderline personality disorder and the haunting guilt of his past. His condition deteriorates throughout the film, leading to hallucinations that symbolize his internal struggles. The portrayal highlights the impact of mental illness on his relationships and career.

🕵️‍♂️ Desperation

Desperation drives Robertson's actions as he seeks a promotion to escape his troubled life. His obsessive quest for advancement leads him down a dark path filled with betrayal and deceit. The narrative illustrates how desperation can lead to self-destruction while affecting those in his orbit.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Unlock the Full Story of Filth

Don't stop at just watching — explore Filth in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Filth is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Filth Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Filth, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Filth Summary

Filth Timeline

Track the full timeline of Filth with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Filth Timeline

More About Filth

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Filth: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Filth

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