A film that was named Best UK Feature at London's Raindance Film Festival is the Bermuda International Film Festival's February Film Series presentation.

'London to Brighton' is a British gangster film that takes us on a nerve-wracking trip through the underbelly of society.

Kelly, a middle-aged woman bearing the bruises of a recent beating, is on a train from London to Brighton with 11-year-old Joanne, a wide-eyed, terrified runaway.

In the first half of the film we find out why they are fleeing the city and in the second half we discover what happens when they reach the seaside.

What a trip this is.

Kelly is a prostitute working for a low life pimp, Derek.

When Derek gets a call from a wealthy customer with a taste for young girls, he is anxious to fulfil the request.

Turns out Kelly just met Joanne and, almost against her better judgment, introduces her to Derek.

Derek persuades the girl to take the job, enticing her with money, and the two women go off to do the job. It is not giving anything away to say that "doing the job" necessitates the unexpected trip to the seaside.

'London to Brighton' is a thrilling and bizarre combination of sleaze, serious brutality and grit, with a slight hint of redemption.

Kelly will make decisions for herself and, by extension, for the untethered Joanne that will allow her to either rise above this sordid existence or sink them both below the tide.

Director Paul Andrew Williams earned the New Director's Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Most Promising Newcomer prize at the British Film Awards, for his debut feature.

Excellent performances sustain this fascinating and compelling directorial debut.

'London to Brighton', will screen on Thursday, February 21 at 7.30 p.m. in the Tradewinds Auditorium at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Tickets, $8 for BIFF Film Club members and $10 for non-members, can be reserved by e-mailing the festival at info@biff.bm.