PAUL KEAVENY

YOUNG Adam is a dark, dreamy and disturbing, study of sexual tension and guilty secrets in which Ewan McGregor turns in arguably the best performance of his career.

He plays Joe, a labourer on a barge in 50s Scotland, who discovers the body of a dead woman in the River Clyde.

Joe is an amoral drifter with a murky past who knows more about the dead body than he's letting on.

As the story progresses he enters into a steamy affair with barge owner, Ella, (Tilda Swinton), who just happens to be the wife of his mate and co-worker Les, (Peter Mullan).

During the lovers numerous trysts there are flashbacks to Joe's previous relationship with Cathy, (Emily Mortimer.)

It's in these moments that Joe's other self is revealed and he is shown to be an abusive and moody wannabe writer with a chip on his shoulder.

Past and present merge and the film gathers pace when a trial surrounding the death of the girl found in the river starts.

Joe is riddled with guilt as he watches an innocent man get charged with murder but in the end proves too selfish to help.

This film has its flaws. The umpteen sexual encounters Joe has for instance. Is there a woman in Scotland who doesn't want to sleep with him?

But in the main this is an engrossing movie with very strong and detailed performances from an outstanding cast.

Extras include cast interviews, a making-of documentary, and original music from David Byrne.