Back in January, I shared with you the brand new trailer for this award-winning British Comedy Eaten By Lions. With the film releasing on the 29th of March, I am finally allowed to share with you my thoughts.

The film stars some of Britain’s best-loved comedians alongside bright new British acting talent. This includes Screen International’s 2018 ‘Star of Tomorrow’ Antonio Aakeel (City of Tiny Lights, Tomb Raider, The Hungry, Skins), BAFTA & Emmy award-winning Asim Chaudhry (Black Mirror, People Just Do Nothing,) Britain’s Got Talent’s Jack Carroll, actor and producer Johnny Vegas (Still Open All Hours, Benidorm), Kevin Eldon (Game of Thrones, Hot Fuzz) and Vicki Pepperdine (Getting On, Camping).

Eaten By Lions tells the heart-warming story of half-brothers Omar (Antonio Aakeel) and Pete (Jack Carroll), who were raised by their Grandma after their parents were tragically killed by lions. When their beloved Gran passes away, they embark on a life-changing journey to find Omar’s birth father. What follows is a funny and touching journey of self-discovery for both of the boys in Blackpool of all places. The Choudray family represent a truly contemporary example of modern multicultural Britain, but what will the brothers make of their eccentric newfound family?

I think in the midst of all the Hollywood blockbusters, a film like this can get easily lost. It is a true shame when that happens because it means you will miss out on something that succeeds in being different. While it may not be an action-packed adventure, it is one that is worth your time. It is a refresher for the soul as you are reminded how crazy life can truly be. It may not be groundbreaking, but I feel it achieved in being an entertaining ride. The cast really gives it their all and that makes the film shine.

Eaten By Lions is an unexpected joy, one that manages to balance relevant interesting themes with a lot of heart mixed in. It reminds me of that sense of belonging which is something we can all relate too. It may not contain a star-studded cast, but that does not mean it should be so easily passed on.

The Director Jason Wingard describes it best: “The story is essentially about the importance of family. I wanted the viewer to forget about incidentals such as race or disability and focus on the characters. It’s an attitude we applied to everyone in the film really. The story deals with big contemporary issues (class, diversity, disability, inter-racial relations, foster and adoption, sexuality, love, life and death) in a sharp and often irreverent way. A comedy with heart without skimping on laughs.”