Idris Elba stars in BBC Three’s five by five, a series of short films from new writers, featuring new and established on-screen talent working side by side. Set in London, the five standalone films feature chance encounters between characters which question identity and change perceptions.

Five writers. Five characters. One story.

In a city of millions, teenager Ash (Michael Ajao) is lost. He wants to be the big man, but reality doesn’t quite deliver. A chance encounter leads him to make a dangerous decision, starting a chain reaction that plays out across these five connected short films.

As Ash faces down some vengeful bullies he interrupts Chloe’s (Georgina Campbell) romantic plans. Her target, Lucas, (Ben Tavassoli) is bewildered and seeks solace with Jules (Nina Yndis), a bored waitress. Jules ignores her customer Janine (Ruth Madeley), who breaks the law but escapes the attention of cop Michael (Sope Dirisu) - who encounters a badly beaten Ash, in need of help but unable to ask for it. 

Ash’s choice started it all. Michael’s decision to intervene or walk away will end it.

five by five is produced by Dean Byfield, executive produced by Idris Elba for Green Door Pictures, and Richard Stokes and Hilary Salmon for BBC Studios. The 5x5-min films are written by Cat Jones (Flea, Harlots), and new writers Lee Coan, Namsi Khan, Selina Lim and Nathaniel Price. They are directed by Screen International Star of Tomorrow Kate Herron (Fan Girl).

five by five is available on BBC Three from Monday 27 March as part of The Idris Takeover, a unique and ground-breaking season of content created and curated by Idris Elba.