AllMovie

The Lives of the Saints embodies the first cinematic collaboration between the acclaimed, London-based still photographer-turned-director Rankin, co-helmer Chris Cottam, and veteran scenarist Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). This parable, heavily laden with doses of magic realism and dark humor, unfurls on the gritty streets of North London, where kingpin Mr. Karva (James Cosmo) runs a series of rackets with the assistance of a lightning-paced courier known as Roadrunner (Daon Broni). In time, Karva is due for replacement, and either his stepson, Othello (David Leon), or his not-too-bright partner, Emilio (Bronson Webb), will usurp the throne. Meanwhile, Roadrunner happens upon a Wild Child-like character in the park (Sam MacLintock) who somehow wills him to stop moving for the first occasion in his life. This animal-like boy manages to actualize the wishes of everyone he encounters, but some object to his innate magical abilities, and eventually, tragedy materializes -- which unveils the potential casualties inherent in receiving everything we ask for. Gillian Kearney and Marc Warren co-star.