This well-made film will challenge young people's attitudes to crime, but the plot may be a little convoluted for some audiences.

Between You & Me is the result of an initiative by PC Alison Adams, a youth involvement officer at Derbyshire Constabulary, in collaboration with the youth service in Derby. The film promotes the work of the charity Crimestoppers by challenging people's reluctance to provide information on wrongdoing. It also provides educators with a chance to explore wider issues, particularly around notions of loyalty and consequences of choices.

It is extremely difficult to get the balance right when you are making films about criminal or antisocial behaviour in order to raise discussion with young people. On the one hand, if you want to engage young people you have to acknowledge the appeal of activities such as drinking or nicking cars and the real-life circumstances in which they take place. But, on the other hand, you have to try to avoid glamourising such activities and point out the negative consequences. You also have to make sure you avoid any swearing.

I'm not sure this film gets the balance right (the negatives are laid on a bit thick at times), but there is plenty to admire about it.

The narrative follows a group of young people over the course of a dramatic evening in Derby. They encounter a raft of issues such as underage drinking, fake ID, drink spiking, peer pressure, antisocial behaviour, car theft and death. Two possible endings are offered - one extremely tragic, and one where a phone call to Crimestoppers alters the course of events dramatically.

The direction and the acting of some of the young people is very good - with Jack O'Connell outstanding as Alfie. The producers have obviously had access to the full paraphernalia of police support - cars and even helicopters - which adds to the appeal and realism of the film. But the story, I fear, is too long at 35 minutes and the plot is rather convoluted - industry-received wisdom is that you should aim to make all your points in 10 to 15 minutes.

Despite the good performances, the film might require more engagement than some young people are ready for.

There is a useful accompanying booklet, which gives suggestions for pause points and questions, discussion starters and activities such as role-playing situations. These focus on considerations of empathy for the characters, and a skilled worker should have no problem stimulating productive debate around questions such as "what are the character's options?" or "what would you do in this situation?".

In some ways the broad brush strokes and at times simplistic messages probably make this more effective at the younger end of the 11- to 16-year-old age range. However, it might well be a couple of years before they encounter some of the situations and dilemmas tackled in the film, and you have to wonder whether they will then remember the messages.

The situation over fake ID, the concern of the older brother and the happy-ending version are not very convincing and I suspect many 16-year-olds, especially those already engaged in criminal or dangerous behaviour, might not take it that seriously.

That said, this remains a well-made film that in the right hands with the right audience will definitely make an impact.