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Hunger (2008, written by Steve McQueen and Enda Walsh; directed by Steve McQueen) is possibly one of the most intense films I have seen. It depicts the last six weeks of Bobby Sands’ (Michael Fassbender) life, the IRA member who died as a result of the 1981 hunger strike in HM Prison Maze. This is McQueen’s first film.

You can almost feel, smell and taste what you’re seeing onscreen. The main character, Bobby Sands, isn’t introduced until a fair bit into the film – McQueen takes his time in setting things up to the point where he’s ready to show you Bobby.

There is one scene in particular – commonly referred to as “The Scene” – that everybody is talking about: it is a 17-minute single take of a riveting conversation between Sands and a priest. Not only does it stand out because it is so brilliant, but it is a stark contrast to the rest of the film, which is relatively dialogue-free. “The Scene” acts as solid transition point into the final act of the film. (You can find the entire scene on YouTube, split into sections.)

I don’t have much else to say except that this film was entirely gripping and emotionally draining. It was exceptionally made and I highly recommend it. For those who may have trouble with graphic imagery (of the non-sexual kind, I should specify), be prepared.