Mark Jenkin’s film is a timely and funny, yet poignant drama that gets to the heart of a community facing unwelcome change. Mark Kermode's best film of 2019.

"A genuine modern masterpiece" – Mark Kermode

Nominated for BAFTAS 2020:
Outstanding British Film
Outstanding British Debut

Drama written and directed by Mark Jenkin and set in Cornwall.

Having already sold his parents cottage to a wealthy couple from London, Cornish fisherman Martin is struggling to save enough money to buy himself a boat. Alongside he has to cope with family rivalry and the start of the tourist season, and the influx of visitors flocking to the coast.

Martin can't hide his anger and growing resentment and the simmering tensions between the locals and newcomers reach boiling point, with tragic consequences.

What the press said

As well as being listed in the Best Films of the Year lists in Sight & Sound, Guardian, Little White Lies, Daily Mirror and Time Out, here's what the critics have said.

"One of the defining British films of the decade. FIVE STARS" – Guardian

"Cornish gentrification thriller BAIT is a true horror nightmare" – The Times

"This brilliantly original seaside parable has all the hallmarks of a cult classic to be." – Time Out

"Evocative debut shows cinema can still be magic and light. FIVE STARS" – Irish Times