HAVING loved Rhys Ifans as Hugh Grant's adorable oddball flatmate Spike in Notting Hill, it was hard to imagine him in any other role.

However, the charismatic Welshman throws his nice grey pants out of the window, turning out an electric performance as obsessive stalker Jed.

On an idyllic day, lovebirds Joe (Daniel Craig) and Claire (Samantha Morton) enjoy a champagne picnic to celebrate their reunion, when they are interrupted by the cry of a child.

A hot air balloon with a child in its basket and an adult being dragged behind it has been ripped from its moorings.

Joe immediately joins an effort to bring the balloon to safety but in the ensuing rescue attempt a man is killed. Witness to this accident is bystander Jed.

Jed and Joe share a passing glance, which carries devastating consequences.

This is a captivating examination of the fine line between love and obsession and looks at how life can change in a second.

It stars some of Britain's most charismatic actors but this film won't be everyone's cup of tea.

It is a slow burner, takes concentration and it failed to answer some important questions.

But it is certainly worth a watch, if just to see Ifans act his socks off- rather than his pants!

EB