A young man (Andrew Garfield) is released from prison with a new identity Jack Burridge. He tells his coworker Chris that he stole cars for joyriding. He is guided by Terry (Peter Mullan) in his rehabilitation as he reacclimatizes to the normal world. Terry has a troubled son of his own. Michelle (Katie Lyons) from work takes an interest in Jack. Jack and Chris come across a crashed car and save a little girl which becomes big local news. Eric Wilson is a young boy who is befriended by violent volatile Philip Craig. They skip school and start doing petty crimes. After murdering a girl, Eric is named Boy A in the trial.
His secret identity is revealed midway through the movie. I would have preferred it earlier so that the audience can appreciate Jack's inner conflict. A small part of the brutal attack should be in the opening without revealing the main culpability. It should shock the audience just like it did to Jack. The movie should be more definitive. Andrew Garfield is great. He has the looks of the boy next door but also is able to portray a troubled soul. He shows his great acting potential.