Wasteman
The brief
Cal McMau strips down the prison drama to its brutal essentials, letting David Jonsson and Tom Blyth carry the weight through tense, quiet moments that feel ready to explode. The 90-minute runtime moves like a coiled spring, building pressure through small gestures and sideways glances until loyalty and self-preservation collide in ways that genuinely surprise. Jonsson brings a fragile intensity to Taylor that makes every choice feel desperate and real, while Blyth's charismatic menace as Dee slowly reveals its true cost. Perfect for anyone who loved Starred Up or wants their thrillers psychological rather than flashy.
The verdict
If you crave tense psychological thrillers that build dread through character work rather than action sequences, this stripped-down prison drama delivers exceptional performances and genuine surprises in a tight 90 minutes. If you need constant plot movement or can't handle slow-burn tension that relies on quiet intensity, you'll find this too minimal and claustrophobic.
Watch with
- 👤 Best experienced solo for maximum tension
- ⚠️ Skip if you're sensitive to prison violence
Heads up
- Prison violence including brutal assault (moderate)
- Psychological manipulation and intimidation (frequent)
- Threat of sexual violence in prison setting (implied)
Credits
- Director
- Cal McMau
- Cast
- David Jonsson, Tom Blyth, Alex Hassell, Neil Linpow, Paul Hilton, Corin Silva, Layton Blake
Official synopsis
Taylor's hopes for a fresh start post-parole are jeopardised by cellmate Dee's arrival. As Dee takes Taylor under his wing, a vicious attack tests their bond, forcing Taylor to choose between protecting Dee and his own chances at freedom.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both feature damaged men seeking redemption while navigating violent moral choices.
Total runtime: 1h 30m + 1h 29m = 2h 59m
