Synopsis

This Place Sucks follows Yusuf, an undocumented immigrant trying to survive in Britain, who uncovers evidence that could expose Western governments’ role in the destruction of his home. Living under a false identity and working as a delivery driver, he must navigate a chaotic town full of shady locals, broken systems, and those desperate to shut him up before the truth gets out.

Abdul’s Burgers is based on the kind of places I grew up around — family-run takeaways, mostly Arab or South Asian, where everyone knows each other, there’s always noise in the background, and people come more for the atmosphere than the food. These places were chaotic, funny, sometimes tense, but always full of life. That’s what I wanted to capture in the animatic — not some polished, idealised version of community, but the real messiness of it.

Abdul, the owner, is that classic uncle figure — friendly, loud, always talking over you, but in a way that makes the place feel alive. He treats strangers like regulars and regulars like family, whether they like it or not. His son Ahmed looks like he could kill you with one punch, but he’s probably the nicest guy in the room. That contrast is something I’ve seen a lot — big guys covered in tattoos who are genuinely the softest people around. Then there’s Jess, who’s got a sharp tongue and lives to take the piss, but she’s not cruel. She’s that one regular who never really leaves and somehow knows everyone’s business.

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JUST PISS OFF