The sheer joy and energy of the boys propels Trash and keeps us rooting for good over evil despite the contrived ending.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Time Out London by Cath Clarke
Some people will hate Trash for being not grittily real enough, but Daldry’s point – a hope-against-hope optimistic one – is that the energy of young people can change Brazil.
Slant Magazine by Clayton Dillard
Director Stephen Daldry, working from an exploitative script by Richard Curtis, opts for a full-on Slumdog Millionaire imitation.
Trash works in large part thanks to the infectious energy and sheer pleasure in comradeship exuded by the three young teen boys.
The Hollywood Reporter by Jordan Mintzer
At best, Trash works as a vibrant, occasionally suspenseful postcard-portrait of a place that’s always great to see on the big screen.
But while once upon a time Daldry made a very good movie like "Billy Elliot", here he lets what should’ve been an efficient little thriller get stymied by an excess of style, and the weight of self-importance.
Comparisons to “Slumdog Millionaire” are inevitable, but the kinetic Trash has a rhythm all its own.
Having your heart in the right place isn’t much use, if you’ve forgotten your head somewhere up Sugarloaf Mountain.