Samantha Morton has a proved record as a actress starring in blockbusters like Minority Report, independent films like Control and even earned an Oscar nod for In America. But has a tragic past, being put into the British care system at a young age and going into children's homes and foster care. She has used her experience as the source for her writing and directional debut.Just before Christmas Lucy (Molly Windsor) is a 11-year-old primary school who is badly beaten by her father (scumbag for hire Robert Carlyle) and when it is found out by the school Social Services get involve. Lucy is taken to a children's home, with literally only the clothes on her back. Whilst in the home Lucy is overwhelmed, not understanding the adults who speak like she is not in the room, a world where children are violence and abusive too each other and drinking and drug taking are acceptable and Lucy does not understand why she can't live with her mother (Susan Lynch). In the home Lucy is taken under the wing of 16-year-old Lauren (Lauren Socha), a mouthy chav who has been in trouble with the police. Lost in this world Lucy has to adjust quickly.Morton shows great skill as a director and her strength is simplicity. She lets the actors do their job and by avoiding doing too many cuts or over the shoulder shots. The beginning is very hallowing, starting a voice-over by Lucy saying a biblical quote and then a single shot scene seeing the Lucy's father slowly loosing his temper. That had more power because it felt like you were in the room. Morton continues a harsh traditional of British kitchen sink realism.The script itself shows that the social care is something that even the most smartest child would not understand. A young child will have a more simple view of the world and just wants to be in a loving situation. Within the care system it shows that some people really do care, particularly a woman called Vicky (Andrea Lowe), who takes Lucy shopping, but even she is guilty of speaking like Lucy is not around. Other care workers were more bureaucratic or some like Ben (Craig Parkingson) who takes the approach of being the children's friend. The best approach would be someone who is both an authority figure who is also caring. The children's home is shown to be mismanaged, with the staff arguing amongst themselves and a social worker saying she was not able see Lucy because she did not receive her patrol money (because the welfare of the children isn't important).The acting was a high standard, particularly from Windsor, an incredible young actress. She had an tough job and she does it well, playing a meek child who is confused and easily lead. She is a good child and performance felt so natural and real. Some people may complain she is a passive character: but what do you expect, she is an ordinary child forced into a situation. She just has to go with the flow. Robert Carlyle is always good in any role he plays, and he is truly a horrible man in what is a very raw performance. But he also playing a real character, not just a cartoon monster.This was a real film, the language, character and settings were believable. This a tough film and not one for the faint hearted. But I do have a couple of minor problems with the film. The first is that I felt like we need to see a result involving Ben who raped Lauren and was in the middle of an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old. The other is I would have liked to have know what happened to Lucy, did she end up staying in the children's home, go into foster care or get to live with her mum or another family member.But overall The Unloved is a very worthy film.

I'm surprised to see so few reviews of this marvel. I also don't think this is a sad movie, unless you had a perfect childhood. Instead, it is reassuring and inspirational to find out that some have suffered more than us, and can put our imperfect pasts into perspective. The world is shown as seen solely through the eyes of the 11-year-old Lucy, who is almost merely an observer of her own life, with little dialogue and action in most parts; the script, the acting and the direction are as uncomplicated as they are powerful. Special mention should go to the lead actress: it is impossible to take your emotional eyes off Lucy at any time, and not to feel both the pains she suffers and the little joys she encounters; the longing for affection she endures and the masses of affection she radiates at the same time. The calm, humanity, love and care of Lucy's character are not diminished but instead reinforced by everything she goes through, and to that end she emerges triumphant from the film... and from life itself. The necessary consequence of all this is that the screen writer-director deserves the highest level of admiration, for both her life and for the direction of this piece, and also a massive thanks for sharing a lot of herself in this powerful drama.

This was so well-directed and acted that it seemed at times like a documentary. Avoiding any clichés and easy answers it was moving and compelling. Clearly Samantha Morton is going to be as great a director as she is an actress. The expressionistic filming style and the long static shots reminded me a bit of Lynne Ramsay's work, which is a compliment in itself! I wish it had been shown in cinemas, as it would have won many awards in my opinion. All the actors were great, as i said above so naturalistic that it seemed at times like watching a documentary. Great performances in particular from the little girl Lucy, and the troubled Lauren that she met whilst in the care home. Highly recommended.

Saw this on Channel 4 tonight. 2 key words: Bleak & beautiful.The acting during the bust-up at the Christmas Party was very realistic. The last continuous shot of the young girl on the bus home was very poignant. That image really stays with you.If Samantha is reading this: Congratulations and well done on this great film. The subject matter was presented 'just right'. Coleen's music felt really natural (and, never forced). If you never direct again, that's fine, you can be very proud of this. I understand completely that this was something felt you had to do - rather than it being 'another gig' (like most directors).Can you please provide details of all the music used in the film. The end credits text (font) was so small, I could barely read it! The subtitles didn't note every song, either. In particular, I'd like to know the name of track used at the Christams party - the one with the dance-off.Thank you. All the best for the future :) HP