Dir: Suri Krishnamma. UK. 1999. 101mins.

Prod co: Alchymie. Int'l sales: The Sales Co. Prods: Steven Cleary, Simon Channing-Williams. Co-prods: Charles Steel, Marianne Slot, Vibeke Windelov. Exec prods: Beau Rogers, David Forrest. Scr: Ralph Brown. DoP: John De Borman. Prod des: Eve Stewart. Ed: Adam Ross. Mus: Julian Nott. Main cast: Andrew Lee Potts, Bobby Barry, Anastasia Hille, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Jacqueline Bisset, Michael Kitchen.

An unsettling journey through the life and death issues facing two teenage boys, New Year's Day is distinguished by its originality, energy and outstanding performances from newcomers Bobby Barry and Andrew Lee Potts. Unfortunately, the generally abrasive tone and stylised, over-eager direction tend to blunt its emotional appeal and effectiveness. Reactions at Sundance suggest it might be more warmly received in America than on its home territory of the UK.

A pulsating, helter-skelter beginning pitches the viewer into the tale of a school skiing trip that goes tragically wrong, leaving Jake (Potts) and Steven (Barry) the sole survivors of an avalanche. A blur of media interest, national grief and public mourning isolates them even further. Whilst Steven is drawn to the notion of suicide, Jake persuades him to postpone the act for a final year in which they will perform a set list of tasks that include burning down the school, robbing a bank and killing a large animal.

Given a focus for their anguish and anger, the two lost souls find their own way back to a world that offers them little in the way of hope or comfort.

Whilst totally convincing in its portrayal of adolescent pain and uncertainty, New Year's Day falters in its largely one-dimensional depiction of the adult characters. Marianne Jean-Baptiste's platitudinous counsellor and the starchy upper-crust parents of Michael Kitchen and Jacqueline Bisset are particularly ill-served by the script. The saving grace comes from the work of the two boys. Potts has the devilish charm and danger of a young Malcolm McDowell whilst Barry aches with a vulnerability that endears him to your heart. They could be stars in the making.