Shadows on the Wall

Wasteman

dir Cal McMau
scr Hunter Andrews, Eoin Doran
prd Sophia Gibber, Myles Payne
with David Jonsson, Tom Blyth, Alex Hassell, Corin Silva, Paul Hilton, Cole Martin, Ray Blk, Neil Linpow, Cyrus Desir, Layton Blake, Keaton Ancona-Francis, Yusef Bouattoura
release UK 20.Feb.26,
US Feb.26 sbiff
25/UK Bankside 1h30

TORONTO FILM FEST

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Weaving in phone-cam scenes that are frighteningly realistic, this gritty British drama explores the prison system from an original perspective that instantly catches our attention. The premise may feel standard, but director Cal McMau's unusually earthy tone balances the harsh attitudes and brutal violence with honest emotions. And David Jonsson and Tom Blyth give remarkably committed performances as very different young men thrown together in this grim place.

About to be released after 13 years inside, softspoken Taylor (Jonsson) gets a new cellmate, charismatic alpha-dog Dee (Blyth). Dulled by years of drug addiction, Taylor is trying to plan for life outside, hoping to reconnect with his 14-year-old son (Martin). But Dee is smuggling contraband and running the prison from inside. As tension grows between Dee and Taylor's dealer friend Paul (Hassell), a particularly nasty assault creates a conflict that will be impossible to settle peacefully. The question is whether Taylor can stay out of trouble until it's time for him to go free.

Drugs are pervasive here, and everyone makes sure Taylor gets the substances that keep him in a perpetual buzz. His efforts to avoid power struggles in the cellblock are fascinating to watch. Meanwhile, sudden explosions of violence are horrific, and they carry additional ramifications that are deeply unsettling. From targeted attacks to a full-on riot, the film creates a strong sense of what it takes to survive in this system. Then the demands of the plot kick in, pushing things a bit over the top.

The contrast between Jonsson's soft-spoken stoner Taylor and Blyth's hyper-alert Dee is fascinating. And the connection between them feels remarkably truthful, especially in some quieter moments when they are simply hanging out together. This makes the strain between them feel unusually powerful. Both men have a determined intentionality, so the way they are pushed and provoked adds emotion. And the supporting actors give vivid performances that add plenty of atmospheric edge.

Strikingly shot and edited, this is a terrific directing debut for McMau, who has a bold eye for character detail within the confines of a genre piece. He inventively maintains the usual narrative trajectory, using confrontations to suggest that something momentously awful is coming. More importantly, he pointedly highlights the dire state of prisons, with overworked staff and crumbling facilities. Plus of course the way the whole system only fuels drug dependency and criminality. It's not easy to watch bright young men fall through the cracks.

themes, language, violence 17.Jan.26

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