A troubled and explosively violent teenager is transferred to adult prison where he finally meets his match - a man who also happens to be his father.
Director: David Mackenzie
Starring: Jack O'Connell, Ben Medelsohn, Rupert Friend
Starred Up is a brutal, British prison drama, one that stands out amongst the few that've existed. It's a stunning take on life behind bars, from the moment youngster Eric (Jack O'Connell) has a full body examination to being a respected convict. O'Connell is in fine form. His psychological state is daunting and almost uncontrollable, but releases of grandeur and empathy make him a very likeable hooligan (within the confides of the prison that is). Threatening to destroy Eric and his new found buddies, including prison psychologist Rupert Friend, is Mendelsohn's Neville, who's Eric's father. Their broken relationship offers plenty of psychological questions, and many difficult answers. Mendelsohn is phenomenal, exudes leadership wherever he rolls. Friend tries to bring peace and balance, but struggles with demons unexplained. There's no character arc but all we need is what we see; a kid with serious daddy issues. Starred Up is a superb films where every punch, bite and kick hurts just as much as the last.
4/5
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