Several women’s stories of depression and abandonment interweave to tell a depressing tale of self-abuse and murder.

Based around the real life tragedy and death of a nine year old girl at the hands of two teens, each story is equal parts upsetting and reflective of the darkest corners of our existence. Dealing with issues of rape, incest, bulimia and belonging, the question lies with are these people born, or nurtured evil?

Presented over a series of chapters the innocent ramblings of teens ends in an unwatchable and drastic climax which unfortunately lead to the loss of a nine year olds life. However, eclipsed are the side stories that lay bare the truth of abandonment and abuse. Small scenes of hope only make the tragedies worse and the innocence of youth has, along with each of these girls, been abandoned.

While each girls story may, or may not, be real, the truth that this reflects the harsh reality of life only resonates a harsh insight into reality. It is with conviction that each and every character hides a fantastic actress, there are no standout performances as every leading lady deserves top billing.

Shane Ryan may have had a limited budget, which is often, visible but what he achieves is the kind of powerful statement on society that so many directors and politicians choose to ignore. This is no easy watch and as it gets deeper and darker into the events of these individuals, the film does become ever more painful to watch.

Similarly to James Cullen Bressack’s ‘Hate Crime’ do you leave this film feeling upset and emotionally scarred but a film which will leave you scarred is a sign that the director’s work is that of a masterpiece.

Scenes of incest, scarring and watching these women, and girls, walk through their lives is brutally realistic and raw. ‘My Name is ‘A’…’ makes Lars Von Trier look like Mr Happy with its subject matter leaving a bleak stain on its audience.

Yet behind its depressive viewing there is something artistically beautiful about Ryan’s film. Traversing between black and white dream sequences, gorilla style film making and home video against the real star of the film, the soundtrack, show Ryan is one to watch.

After seeing ‘My name is ‘A’…’ it’s hard to recommend its brutal realism and shocking domino effect to anyone yet Ryan presents this with such talent and passion that it is hard to ignore. This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and its point of view shall certainly trigger controversy but for those who have the respect for real life story telling and emotion, this is a lost gem that needs to be discovered.