Reviews

In recent years, David Jonsson and Tom Blyth have established themselves as two British breakout stars and the new prison drama Wasteman really solidifies their talent.

In Cal McMau’s directorial debut, Jonsson stars as Taylor, a prison cook who has been behind bars for 13 years. He has recently learned that he is eligible for an early release as long as he stays on his best behaviour.

With the exception of his drug habit, Taylor has every intention of keeping his head down and avoiding trouble until his imminent release date.

Unfortunately, his plan is scuppered with the arrival of Dee (Blyth), who moves into his cell and runs his drug business out of there.

Naturally, the block’s reigning drug lords, Paul (Alex Hassell) and Gaz (Corin Silva), who have been providing Taylor with pills for years, are not happy with this newcomer encroaching on their turf, and Taylor becomes caught between the rival drug dealers.

The film opens with vertical iPhone footage of Paul and Gaz punishing somebody for stealing their supplies.

It is violent, shocking and brutal, and you immediately realise what kind of movie you are about to watch, and become aware of how scary Paul and Gaz can be.

McCau peppers his film with phone footage, which generally depicts aggressive criminal activity on the inside and outside.

At a tight 90 minutes, Wasteman whips along and wastes no time in building the tension, suspense and Taylor’s dilemma.

Where does his allegiance lie – with his new cellmate who has connections and resources, or the duo he feels a sense of loyalty towards?

The characters are well-written and realistic, and Jonsson and Blyth show their range by playing different parts than what we’ve seen from them before.

Blyth has the showier role as the braggy, loudmouth, ready to take on the established leaders of the block, but do not underestimate the quiet, timid Taylor, even if he seems passive and like he will let people walk all over him.

Wasteman is a gripping and gritty prison drama that slowly builds the intensity and conflict and essentially becomes an exciting thriller in the sensational final act.

If this is what McMau has made in his debut, imagine what he’ll do next!

In cinemas from Friday 20th February

By Hannah Wales

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