British indie thriller examines literary ego and creative obsession
New film Blockhead explores the darker impulses of a struggling novelist through a contemporary take on Jekyll and Hyde.
At a glance
- Film draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's experience writing Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Protagonist is a celebrated author facing creative block and personal crisis
- Story explores how isolation and ego can lead to destructive behaviour
- Film critiques the publishing industry's promotion of controversial male writers
Blockhead, written and directed by Matt Harlock, follows Will Mercer, a celebrated debut novelist struggling to complete his second book. Retreating to isolation, he encounters Mikey, a charismatic builder who becomes an increasingly influential presence in his life.
The film examines themes of ego, insecurity and the mythology surrounding difficult male writers. As Will's creative crisis deepens, he explores increasingly transgressive ideas, while his behaviour becomes more erratic. Harlock uses the story to critique the publishing industry's romanticisation of the "bad-boy writer" archetype.
Why it matters
The film offers commentary on literary culture and how the publishing industry markets provocative male authors, examining the gap between public persona and private behaviour.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
