While politics lie at the heart of Yann Demange's hotly anticipated debut (which depicts a violent Belfast at the height of the Troubles in 1971), its story doesn't aim to tackle the deeply thorny issues of the sectarian divide. Instead, it aims to focus on the horrors of a British teen soldier, Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell), who is caught up in a situation he can barely understand. Accidentally abandoned by his unit during a raid, Gary - terrified, injured and confused - must try and find his way to safety through a disorientating, alien and deadly landscape. Unable to tell friend from foe (or indeed informer) and with night closing in around him, Gary has no idea how to get back to his barracks, and soon becomes a pawn caught up in power struggles between (and within) opposing factions.

The script (by Gregory Burke, who has a form with soldiers after writing stage play Black Watch) even handedly depicts the stupidity and all round brutality of men from every side of the Troubles, and David Holmes' John Carpenter-esque score heightens the tension in a gripping game of cat and mouse. '71 is more than a visceral recreation of a bruising period of recent history - it is a brilliantly effective survival thriller, one made by a searing talent to watch.

Ticket prices: Screenings before 16:00: £5.50 full / £4.00 concessions. Screenings after 16:00: £8.00 full / £6.50 concessions.

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