Ellen is part of Channel 4's Coming Up strand, which showcases the work of new writers and directors. Ellen is a worthy drama, written by Sarah Quintrell, about a wayward, angry and vulnerable girl (Jessica Barden), who ricochets through life smoking, drinking, sniffing glue, getting wasted and trashing houses. Her mother is a drunk who invites creepy boyfriends into the home. Her father wants nothing to do with her, and not even her friendship with the kind and sensible Kayla can protect her from the wolves waiting to strike.
