Cherrybomb tells the story of two best friends, Luke and Malachy, who compete for the affections of new-girl-on-the-block, Michelle. Michelle happens to be a bit of a wild child and is also the daughter of Malachy’s boss. The boys play off one another, with the stakes rising each time one outwits the other. Their exploits incorporate violence, drugs, drinking and sex, all themes that ground this story in contemporary cinema. The characters all deal with issues which can easily be related to by an audience; parental separation, relationships, identity, education, growing up, addiction and a longing for independence. Over the course of a weekend, things come to a head and all three lives are changed forever, in a final dramatic twist of events.

Visually, the film is unique in the sense that text messages sent between characters appear on the screen. This communicates with the audience what is happening in a way that isn’t too heavy-handed and is identifiable to the core demographic of this movie. The music also helps create a youth-centric atmosphere, with very trendy indie beats noticeable throughout. Both combine to create a world-within-a-world where the characters detach themselves from the responsibilities of adulthood.

Rupert’s performance as Malachy is significantly different to that of Ron Weasley, first and foremost because of the Northern Irish accent he uses, to great effect. His wardrobe is also a lot trendier. Combined with the colourful language that appears in the film and the grown-up subject matters that are dealt with, it’s not surprising that it’s very easy to accept this is a different role, with entirely different challenges.

The DVD also includes a ‘Making Of…’ feature and a press junket interview with Rupert and Robert Sheehan (actor – Luke). The behind-the-scenes feature includes interviews with; Daragh Carville (screenwriter), Damien Elliott (Director of Photography), Lisa Barros D’Sa (Director), Rupert Grint, Connor MacNeill (actor – Fanta), Kat Kirk (actor – Sharon), Glenn Leyburn (Director), Lalor Roddy (actor – Smiler), Robert Sheehan, Kimberley Nixon (actor – Michelle), Niamh Quinn (actor – Donna), Paul Jennings (Stunt Coordinator) & Donal O’Farrell (Stunt Double) and various b-roll footage from locations and sets. One of the more interesting segments shows how a car crash was created with a mixture of green screen and stunts.