The War Zone is a 1999 British drama film written by Alexander Stuart, directed by Tim Roth in his directorial debut, and starring Ray Winstone, Tilda Swinton, Lara Belmont, Freddie Cunliffe, and Colin Farrell in his film debut (in a credited role).

The film is based on Stuart's 1989 novel of the same name and takes a blunt look at incest and sexual violence in an English family.

Full of suspicion and armed with a video camera, Tom follows Dad and Jessie into an old war bunker near the beach.

Later she takes Tom on a trip to London to see a friend, Carol, who attempts to seduce him at Jessie's behest, but stops when she walks in on them.

He continues to deny his behaviour and claims that Tom is making things up because he misses London, is unhappy, and is putting ideas into Jessie's head.

The site's critics' consensus states: "With the well-acted The War Zone, debuting director Tim Roth finds moments of beauty in a tale of stark horror -- and marks himself as a talent to watch behind the camera.

[6] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film four out of four stars and wrote "Unsurprisingly, The War Zone affects viewers much more powerfully than a simple morality tale might.

Roth and his actors, and Stuart's screenplay, understand these people and their situation down to the final nuance, and are willing to let silence, timing and visuals reveal what dialogue would cheapen.

"[7] Emanuel Levy wrote in Variety that "Unlike most actors-turned-directors, Roth doesn't commit the mistake of letting his cast indulge in big, theatrical scenes with long monologues and mega-close-ups.

Under his guidance, Seamus McGarvey's luminous camera observes the family from the right distance – neither too close nor too detached – allowing viewers to watch and make up their own minds about the tangled web of relationships.

As discerning as Roth's helming is, pic's overall impact largely depends on its superb ensemble and perfect casting.

Special kudos go to newcomers Cunliffe and Belmont, who, despite a lack of acting experience, render multi-shaded performances that always ring true.

In a quiet role that's a departure from her previous work, Swinton shines as Mum, a woman so preoccupied with her baby that she's unaware of the crises tearing apart her family.

"[8] James Berardinelli wrote "The War Zone is a devastating motion picture; it's the kind of movie that stuns an audience so absolutely that they remain paralyzed in their seats through the end credits.