Wasteman Review: A Brutally Violent British Prison Drama
Rising stars David Jonsson and Tom Blyth bring A-game performances to Wasteman, a brutally violent and gripping British prison movie that is as lethal and nasty as a sharpened toothbrush. This film, a deserved Bafta nominee in the outstanding British debut category, showcases the talents of first-time feature screenwriters Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran and director Cal McMau. While some tropes are familiar, Wasteman skillfully sidesteps cliches through committed acting and a fierce storytelling punch.
A Harsh Prison Setting
The scene is an overcrowded jail, filmed in Shepton Mallet, whose ugly savagery and chaos are periodically viewed through the smartphone screen of someone gleefully recording it. This is the kind of institution that has forced the government's policy of early prisoner release to alleviate pressure on the system. David Jonsson, known from TV's Industry, portrays Taylor, a shamblingly submissive and timid drug addict who can hardly believe his new arrangement means he is due for parole in a fortnight. He is pathetically excited at the prospect of seeing his teenage son.
Intense Character Dynamics
As Taylor's day of freedom approaches, he is assigned a new cellmate, Dee, played by Tom Blyth. Dee is a violent, toxically charismatic alpha-dog who aims to take over the prison's drug sales, coordinating a sophisticated system of drone delivery. This move sparks glowering resentment from the existing top figures, Paul (Alex Hassell) and Gaz (Corin Silva). Instantly, the parasitical predator Dee makes Taylor his pet and quaveringly scared ally in the forthcoming inevitable violent confrontation with Paul and Gaz.
With instinctive cunning, Dee recognizes how he can exploit Taylor's yearning to see his son, putting him in his debt. Soon, Dee will ask Taylor to do something that could seriously imperil his parole. The performances of Jonsson and Blyth are fierce and overwhelmingly convincing, driving the film's intense narrative.
Release Details and Impact
Wasteman is set for release on 20 February in the UK and on 17 April in the US. This film not only highlights the harsh realities of prison life but also underscores the talent emerging in British cinema, making it a must-watch for fans of drama and thrillers.
