Pu-239

HBO does some remarkable film making. What impresses me most is the willingness of this media giant to make movies that are decidedly not mainstream predigested pablum. They seem to be willing to take some risks - with edgier material or untested actors - but when you always have the outlet at the ready for your content, I suppose you can be braver than most. Anywho, being of the 'always ready to like something original' persuasion, I am often delighted to turn up yet another HBO original movie that I haven't seen. And although this wasn't their best effort, once again I was not disappointed.

Pu-239 reminds us of the very real dangers of the nuclear world. When Timofey (Paddy Considine,) is exposed to lethal doses of radiation during a near accident at the Russian nuclear facility where he works, he is the obvious scapegoat in the cover up. When it becomes apparent that he has only days to live and with a young son and wife who will be denied benefits, Timofey decides to take matters into his own hands and steals a small quantity of weapons grade plutonium to sell on the black market. Desperation drives him deeper and deeper into a bizarre world of violence and tragedy.

The film is uneven - the mobsters go from scary to ridiculous - both murderers and clowns - and Timofeys impending death and willingness to peddle the same death to save his family seems ironic and absurd at the same time. But for all it's flaws there is a sweetness to Considine's performance as a man without a future, loving his family and leaving them to try to save them. And I was glad to see a film unapologetically chastising the whole nuclear industry for vetting such poisons on the world. Pu-239 has a half life of 24,110 years. And this little story could happen. Be afraid.
See the website here.