AllMovie

James McAvoy stars in director Jon S. Baird's outrageous dark comedy based on the book by Irvine Welsh, and centered on the exploits of a debauched cop on a mission to crack a murder case, earn a big promotion, and win back his estranged wife. Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson (McAvoy) is unlike any cop on the force. A pervert, a drug addict, and an irredeemable jerk, he thinks he's in control, even as his life spirals into oblivion. Now, in order to earn a major promotion, Detective Robertson will actually have to work, instead of hustling his way though each day in a haze of drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, the harder he tries to get a grip, the further his future seems to slip out of reach. Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, Imogen Poots, Shirley Henderson, and Joanne Froggat co-star.