UK Films Database

Project Detail

Thorntree

Synopsis

At the end of a secluded Edinburgh street is a four-story building housing formerly homeless men, many of whom have struggled with addiction. Unlike most organisations, this place provides permanent housing where the men can drink inside their flats and live as they choose. On the top floor, Billy and Ronnie's friendship falters due to jealousy. Stevie battles vodka withdrawals before rehab, while Gerry and Donald lead opposing lives on the first floor - Donald relapses as Gerry celebrates two years of sobriety.
Starting at the surface level of alcoholism in an observational style, the men then challenge this label, revealing the human stories beneath. Billy and Ronnie's violence, Stevie’s rehab, Donald’s guilt, and Gerry’s redemption. Confronting these deeper emotional bonds, the men offer a profound exploration of their lives beyond the label of "alcoholic". The intertwined lives of these men reveal the complexity of addiction and how they are trying to move through it by unravelling past traumas.

Details

Year: 2025
Type of project: Features
Running time: 87 min
Director: Isaac Knights-Washbourn 1st Feature
Producer: Nadja Lapcevic
Executive Producer: Sinead Kirwan
Editor: Will Hewitt
Director of Photography: Antonio Pozojevi
Composer: Adrian Leung

Genre

Scottish

Categories

Documentary

Production Status

Post-production

Production Company

Varda Pictures

Nadja Lapcevic
1f2 4 Appin Terrace
EH14 1NN
Edinburgh

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