Social realism in films is representative of real life, with all its difficulties. The stories and people portrayed are everyday characters, usually from working class backgrounds. Typically, films within the social realist canon are gritty, urban dramas about the struggle to survive the daily grind. The term “kitchen-sink” drama gives the idea of a home, the kitchen known as the “heart of the house”, however, a sink is something every home has, but the imagery this gives is the stainless steel typical working class sink.
"A Room For Romeo Brass" directed by Shane Meadows is about two twelve-year old boys, Romeo and Gavin, who are best friends, however their friendship is tested when an older stranger (a less desirable character) comes between them. The film is set in a local everyday setting of, probably, council houses; giving a feel of "shooting on your doorstep" sort of film where most people can familiarise with the area. “Kitchen- sink” dramas tend to be known as productions which do not follow the conventions of most other films, however, as it is shown in “A Room For Romeo Brass” unexpected twists is a convention of this genre and this just emphasises the fact that life can be complicated and unexpected events may occur. The theme can also be familiarised with as everyone could relate to them, in Shane Meadows’ film even though the main characters are quite young, it shows the “dark side” of childhood, audiences varying from ages of teenage and middle age can easily relate to the film as it features themes of family life, crime, relationship and other everyday concepts.