Inspired by the murder of Jody Dobrowski in October 2005 who was beaten to death by two "gay-bashers" on Clapham Common. Dobrowski was beaten so badly, he could only be identified by his fingerprints, a detail that is echoed in the film. Both of Dobrowski's murderers received life sentences.
This marks a reunion for Rupert Graves and James Wilby who had previously appeared in another gay-themed film, James Ivory's Maurice (1987).
Presented as the centerpiece drama in the UK's Channel 4 40th anniversary season dedicated to the decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales.
On its first screening, the scene where Terry assaults a pick-up in his flat was set to "I'm with Stupid" by the Pet Shop Boys. During his attack, Terry even says that he hates the group. When the film was repeated on Channel 4's sister digital channel, More4, eight days later, the music and reference had been changed - at the request of the Pet Shop Boys.
This attracted 1.1 million viewers when first shown on Channel 4 in the UK, a good figure for a minority channel.