Movies: Protein (2024) by Tony Burke: A Tense, Darkly Humorous Gymland Crime Thriller

Carnivorous Gym War

Protein (2024), directed by Tony Burke, is a British crime-horror hybrid that tells the story of Sion (Craig Russell), a gym-obsessed ex-soldier suffering from PTSD who spirals into cannibalistic violence. After murdering and eating a local drug dealer for their protein, Sion inadvertently ignites a brutal turf war among rival gangs in a rural Welsh town. The title cleverly refers both to the central obsession with protein intake and the primal violence at the story’s core.

• The film explores themes of masculinity, violence, and survival as it uses grotesque humor and stark realism.

• Sion’s quiet menace contrasts with the volatile drug underworld, creating a unique tension throughout.

Set in the haunting rural landscape of Wales, Protein is both a gritty crime thriller and a darkly comic examination of alienation and rage.

Why to Recommend Protein: Dark Humor Meets Gritty Realism

• Unique Blend: Combines crime thriller, horror, and dark comedy elements for a genre-bending experience.

  The film walks a fine line between brutal violence and comic relief.

• Compelling Lead: Craig Russell’s understated performance as Sion embodies quiet menace and psychological complexity.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Features notable performances from Kezia Burrows, Steve Meo, and Charles Dale.

• Rich Atmosphere: Vivid cinematography captures the rural Welsh setting, intensifying the film’s mood.

• Social Commentary: Tackles toxic masculinity, mental health, and community decay with subtlety.

• Engaging Plot: Sparks tension with a layered turf war escalating from Sion’s shocking act.

These elements make the film a distinctive and provocative entry in British genre cinema.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/protein (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/protein (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/protein (UK)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15458812/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/11/protein-review-gym-obsessed-serial-killer-bites-off-more-than-he-can-chew

About movie: https://www.broadsidefilms.co.uk/upcoming-releases

What is the Trend Followed? Gritty Crime with Dark Comedy Edge

Protein reflects a growing trend in British and international cinema intertwining intense crime drama with elements of horror and sardonic comedy. These films expose societal fractures and explore masculine violence through nuanced, sometimes unsettling storytelling.

• The genre often blends realism with surreal or horror-inflected moments.

• Stories emphasize flawed, morally complex protagonists.

• Urban and rural marginalization is a frequent backdrop.

This emerging trend invites audiences looking for challenging narratives that contrast mundane life with explosive human behaviors.

Director’s Vision: Tony Burke’s Sharp Social Critique and Stylistic Control

• Minimalist, Controlled Tone: Directs with a keen eye for underplaying Sion’s menace, building unease through subtlety.

• Balanced Brutality and Humor: Injects dark levity amid the violent turf war to avoid grimness overwhelming the story.

• Focus on Character Study: Gives space to explore psychological trauma and societal pressures on masculinity.

• Atmospheric Visuals: Rural Wales is both a beautiful and isolating setting reflected in the film’s muted palette.

• Engaged Script: Burke’s writing integrates sharp dialogue and layered storytelling.

• Strong Ensemble Direction: Represents a fully inhabited world of flawed individuals caught in escalating conflicts.

Burke’s debut demonstrates promising control over tone and narrative scope.

Themes Explored in Protein: A Summary of Violence and Survival

• Cannibalism as Metaphor: Explores primal urges and survival instincts amid toxic environments.

• Toxic Masculinity: Examines male identity pressured through violence and dominance.

• Trauma’s Shadow: PTSD and psychological scars influence characters’ actions and interactions.

• Community Breakdown: Turf wars signify disintegrating social bonds and growing paranoia.

• Isolation and Alienation: The rural setting amplifies characters’ feelings of entrapment.

• Morality’s Ambiguity: Challenges viewers to empathize with a predator-protagonist’s complex motives.

These intersecting themes create a disturbing yet darkly comical portrait of survival and self-destruction.

Key Success Factors: Dark Humor, Psychological Depth, and Gritty Aesthetics

• Craig Russell’s Nuanced Lead: Balances quiet menace with vulnerability, anchoring the film.

• Sharp Writing: The dialogue and script weave tension and dark comedy effectively.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Adds authenticity and complexity to the story world.

• Cinematographic Mood: Rural Wales offers a brooding, atmospheric backdrop.

• Tone Management: Skillfully blends unsettling violence with moments of humor.

• Social Resonance: The film reflects contemporary concerns about masculinity and violence.

These attributes mark Protein as a standout debut in British genre cinema.

Awards & Nominations: Emerging Recognition and Festival Screenings

Protein premiered at the 2024 FrightFest in the UK and has since received positive reviews and festival buzz. Though still early in its release life, the film is noted for its unique premise, strong performances, and social relevance, positioning it well for genre-specific awards and further festival inclusion.

• Its stylistic blend appeals to niche and horror audiences.

• The film builds momentum gradually, signaling a bright future for director Tony Burke.

These early responses highlight Protein’s potential in alt-genre and indie award circuits.

Critics Reception: Mixed but Promising Reviews

• The Hollywood News praises Burke’s directorial flair and Craig Russell’s naturalistic performance.

• Letterboxd viewers applaud its combination of crime and subversive humor.

• Some critics note pacing issues or uneven tone, but the overall reception is positive.

The film is viewed as a refreshing take on crime thriller conventions with thoughtful depth.

Reviews: Audience Impressions and Community Ratings

• IMDb users rate the film broadly favorably with a score around 6.8/10.

• Audience comments often highlight the film’s originality, performances, and dark humor.

• Fans of crime and horror genres appreciate its blend of violence and character study.

Protein has gained a modest following for its bold narrative and style.

Release Dates: When and Where to Watch

• Premiered August 24, 2024, at FrightFest (UK).

• Limited UK release planned for June 13, 2025.

• Digital on demand release July 14, 2025 (UK).

The film was primarily shot in Llanelli, Wales, and produced by Broadside Films.

Movie Trend: Alt-Crime and Horror with Social Commentary

Protein is part of a niche trend using crime and horror genres to explore issues such as masculinity, mental health, and social isolation while blending humor and brutality.

• The trend prioritizes psychological depth alongside genre thrills.

• Films often set in small communities tackle broader societal themes.

Social Trend: Critical Look at Masculinity and Violence

The film joins a cultural movement examining the costs and crises of traditional male identity. It raises questions about violence, trauma, and alienation in contemporary social contexts.

Final Verdict: Dark, Provocative, and Unforgettably Raw

Protein offers a distinctive mix of crime thriller, horror, and dark comedy. Its nuanced lead and stark rural setting deliver an abrasive yet insightful cinematic experience. Recommended for fans of challenging, genre-bending films that confront uncomfortable truths with wit and intensity.# Protein (2024): A Tense, Darkly Humorous Gymland Crime Thriller