Jamie Bell gives an extraordinary performance as the title character in a compelling, witty and impressively well crafted film.
Having not gotten over the apparent suicide of his mother, Hallam becomes a recluse, spending most of the time in his tree house and spying on his neighbours. When he becomes convinced that his step mother (Claire Forlani) murdered his mother, Hallam flees to the City where he meets, firstly by stalking, Kate (Sophia Myles) who bears a striking resemblance to his mother.

The tone of the film is dark but it is handled lightly, that’s not to say it glosses over important issues, it doesn’t, but delivers them in a more palatable way.
The cast is first rate, Jamie Sives as the hotel manager and Maurice Roeves as the kitchen porter and Ciaran Hinds as Hallam’s father all turn in quality performances but it is Jamie Bell who portrays Hallam’s innocence, quirky nature and unconventional ways with such charm and melancholy you really get a feel for the character and ultimately come to understand his eccentric approach to his life.
A captivating and heartfelt coming of age story complete with a blistering soundtrack, this is an original and touching film. Highly recommended.