The thing about urban Scotland is we�re simply bursting with reasons to be cheerful. As we tiptoe through the tulips of full employment, zero social problems and endless sun-dappled days, we�re almost in danger of being too happy.

Wasted
*
Dirs: Caroline Paterson, Stuart Davids
With: Emma Hartley Miller, Neil Leiper, Kate Dickie

The thing about urban Scotland is we're simply bursting with reasons to be cheerful. As we tiptoe through the tulips of full employment, zero social problems and endless sun-dappled days, we're almost in danger of being too happy.

Thank heavens, then, for Scottish Screen and BBC Scotland and their sterling efforts to depress the bejesus out of us with productions like Wasted. Following on from the terminally unfunny "comedy" Stone of Destiny, last year's submission to the film festival, Wasted is a regulation gritty drama set in the world of junkies.

At its heart is the relationship between Connor and Suzanne, survivors of care homes and victims of the drugs trade. Admirable performances from the two young leads and other members of the Raindog Theatre Company, but you wonder what the point is of retelling a familiar tale in such a tired way.

At times the attempts to generate misery come close to parody. Doubtless the writer-directors think they are doing good, but Wasted is a waste of time, and more importantly money, that could be put to better use elsewhere. Gie's peace, people. Better still, give us a picture that doesn't increase the nation's already sky high bill for anti-depressants.