Starred Up (2013)

“Starred Up” is a 2013 British prison drama film directed by David Mackenzie. The movie stars Jack O’Connell, Ben Mendelsohn, and Rupert Friend in lead roles.

The film follows Eric Love (Jack O’Connell), a 19-year-old violent offender who is transferred to an adult prison, where his estranged father, Neville (Ben Mendelsohn), is also imprisoned. Eric struggles to navigate the volatile environment of the prison while trying to reconnect with his father. Despite initial hostility from both inmates and staff, Eric finds a mentor in Oliver (Rupert Friend), a volunteer therapist who runs group therapy sessions for prisoners with anger management issues.

As Eric tries to avoid getting into trouble, he also becomes embroiled in the power dynamics of the prison, including clashes with rival gang members and corrupt officers. Meanwhile, his father Neville is also struggling to survive in the harsh prison environment, and the two must navigate their complicated relationship as they both face the possibility of violence and danger.

“Starred Up” received critical acclaim for its gritty, realistic portrayal of life in prison, and its nuanced exploration of the complex relationships between inmates and staff. The film was nominated for multiple awards, including the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film and the British Independent Film Award for Best Director. The performances of Jack O’Connell and Ben Mendelsohn were also praised, with O’Connell receiving a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award.