Fish Tank

Watch the trailer for Fish Tank

Academy Award-winning writer and director Andrea Arnold has followed up the acclaimed Red Road with the original and unsettling Fish Tank.

The central character of this hard-hitting and emotional movie is 15-year old Mia (played by newcomer Katie Jarvis). Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of her mother's new boyfriend Connor (Michael Fassbender) and the narrative investigate Mia's psyche, as well her frequent retreats to practise her beloved hip-hop dancing.

Perhaps the most fascinating element of the film is the fact that Katie Jarvis was selected by Arnold to appear in the film after she observed her arguing with her boyfriend on a train station platform. Jarvis' performance is jaw-dropping , especially considering her lack of training and experience. At the other end of the spectrum, Michael Fassbender comes to the film fresh from central roles in Hunger and Inglorious Basterds. The BAFTA nominated Kierston Wareing has appeared in Ken Loach's It's A Free World. It's a fitting background, as Arnold's work is frequently compared to Loach's.

Released across the UK on 11th September 2009

Cast: Katie Jarvis, Michael Fassbender, Kierston Wareing, Harry Treadaway and Rebecca Griffiths.

Director: Andrea Arnold