Reflective Encounters

Wicked & Bad offers a unique inside perspective to the events that took place in Bristol on the 21st of March 2021 during the “Kill the Bill” protests. These protests have become a major part of recent Bristol history and were an eye-opening glimpse into the deep fractures within UK society and politics today.

This intriguing documentary follows one of the convicted protestors, Tyler Overall in the days leading up to his sentencing hearing. Intercut with graphic and striking first-hand footage of the violence that occurred that day, Wicked & Bad gives voice to a story that may otherwise have been ignored. Offering some strong social commentary, the film also finds its feet through the humanisation of its subject as it follows Tyler around his daily activities, showing his passion for activism, and his reactions to the events in his last week of freedom.

The documentary is well edited, shifting between focussed detailing of the events during the protests through to the experiences of Tyler and his friends as he awaits sentencing. Featuring some honest and candid interviews, Wicked & Bad has an underground quality to it, which works well for its subject matter and makes for a compelling watch.

— Tom Collinson