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Wasteman Opens Wide With Tense Prison Face-Off From David Jonsson and Tom Blyth

Critical focus lands on star turns plus bold phone-shot visuals over a thin script.

Overview

  • The British prison drama expands to theaters, drawing fresh reviews that spotlight its tight two-character clash.
  • The story follows Taylor, a watchful inmate nearing parole played by David Jonsson, whose path is shaken by Dee, a volatile new cellmate portrayed by Tom Blyth.
  • Director Cal McMau blends formats, weaving in vertical phone footage and shifting aspect ratios to mimic how inmates see and share prison life.
  • Some reviews note the film gestures to pressures inside the system, including addiction, overworked staff, and social media that glorifies tough personas.
  • Critics also flag script issues, citing thin character work and stark archetypes, even as McMau carries a British Independent Film Awards debut win and a BAFTA-category nomination.