May I Kill U?

May I Kill U? is a darkly comedic, suspenseful, and unique take on the familiar vigilante genre, wrapped up in a distinctly British package. Released in 2012, the film was written and directed by Stuart Urban. Kevin Bishop is the protagonist of the story, brilliantly portraying the complex character of Baz, a bicycle cop in London. The cast also includes a stunning performance by Jack Doolan and the splendid Frances Barber, equally leaving their marks on viewers.

The movie is set against the socio-political backdrop, anchored during the London riots. It brilliantly uses this landscape to blur the boundaries between law enforcement, civic duty, personal revenge, and outright sadism. The movie kicks off with Baz – a law-abiding citizen and upstanding police officer, patrolling London's streets on his bike. Known for his affable charm and sense of duty, he represents the epitome of British values, making his descent into vigilantism even more alarming.

Baz gradually becomes repulsed by society's descent into chaos during the riots of London and disorder spreading in his beloved city. He irrevocably snaps when a freak accident occurs, transforming him from faithful public servant to a revengeful vigilante on a cycle. The movie subtly underscores the paradox running through the plot using its title itself - 'May I Kill U?'

Fueled by a twisted sense of justice, Baz embarks on a killing spree of criminals. The darker side of Baz, starkly contrasted with his nice guy exterior, adds an electrifying dimension to Kevin Bishop's portrayal. Jack Doolan does an excellent job of bringing his character to life, admirably holding his own against Bishop's captivating performance.

Frances Barber represents the voice of reason in the movie. Her character provides the reality check and ethical counterpoint to Baz's descent into vigilante mayhem, which keeps the viewers grounded throughout. The movie's suspense is artfully maintained, with various twists and turns that keep viewers riveted, questioning who's really right and wrong.

Aside from the edge-of-your-seat drama and suspense, "May I kill U?" also thrives on its black humor. The dialogue is witty, high-octane, and peppered with traditional British sarcasm. As morbid and gloomy as the thought of a vigilante cop may sound, the movie maintains an irreverent lightness in its atmosphere throughout, thus creating a delicate yet compelling balance between the hilarious and the macabre. As a character, Baz himself delivers many a-line in lugubrious yet deadpan humor, which becomes a great source of comic relief in between the tension and darkness.

The movie also provides an insightful and sharp critique of social media culture and the instant, the internet's fleeting "fame." It explores how such digital platforms can be easily twisted to fit nefarious purposes, adding a touch of contemporary relevance to this dark comedy thriller. This gives "May I Kill U?" an intriguing depth, straddling the line between the funny and thought-provoking, the absurd, and the all too plausible.

"May I Kill U?" is a must-watch for fans of the dark comedy genre who seek a healthy splash of suspense in the mix. With its compelling cast and cleverly crafted script, the film is indeed a memorable addition to the list of modern-day British films. The movie is a relevant 21st-century black comedy thriller that gives its viewers a unique blend of British humor, suspense, and thought-provoking commentary on pressing societal issues. The depiction of vigilante justice from the perspective of a seemingly lawful individual compels the audience to ponder over the blurred lines of morality when taking the law into one's own hands. Indeed, "May I Kill U?" delivers the thrill and chuckles in equal measure.