BRIAN VINER reviews Wasteman: A gut-punching prison thriller every minister should see

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Wasteman (18, 90 mins)

Verdict: Violent but brilliant

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (15, 113 mins)

Verdict: Painfully funny

The intense and disturbing film, Wasteman, is a powerful thriller that proves British filmmaking is thriving, while simultaneously exposing the serious problems within the UK prison system.

Cal McMau’s first feature film is remarkably confident, and David Jonsson delivers a captivating performance, quietly establishing himself as a truly talented actor of his generation.

You might remember him from the charming rom-com Rye Lane (2023), but this role is a complete departure. He plays Taylor, a man who’s been in prison for a long time and is struggling to cope as his release date approaches.

Taylor appears haunted and moves with a shuffling gait, resembling someone long institutionalized and struggling with addiction. He’s been in prison for 13 years for providing the drugs that led to someone’s death. The film’s title reflects how society views him – as a burden and a lost cause, not worth the resources spent on him.

Everyone in prison knows he struggles with drug addiction, but he keeps to himself and doesn’t cause trouble. He works in the canteen and also cuts hair for other inmates. He was surprised to learn that, because of his good behavior, he’ll soon be released.

He likely benefited from a program started by the Labour government to reduce prison overcrowding, though the program itself was controversial.

The film reportedly came about after McMau saw genuine video footage from inside prisons. Featuring former prisoners as extras, it aims to realistically portray prison life, showing a system spiraling into chaos where drugs and phones are delivered by drone and violence happens without consequence.

Taylor is about to start a new chapter, but first he has to navigate a difficult situation with his new, mentally unstable cellmate, Dee (played brilliantly by Tom Blyth). Unlike the characters in the classic 1970s sitcom Porridge, Dee and Taylor aren’t comical prisoners, but they do begin to develop a connection.

Dee arranges for Taylor to connect with his estranged 14-year-old son, but she isn’t doing it out of kindness. She’s actually trying to manipulate the situation and gain control.

Dee is tough and disrespectful to the prison guards, and she’s aiming to be the most powerful inmate. However, two other hardened prisoners also want to be in charge.

The story centers on Taylor’s struggle to balance staying neutral between two opposing groups with his personal battles – overcoming drug addiction and avoiding further trouble, all so he can rebuild his life and reconnect with his son.

As all this unfolds, McMau builds the tension superbly.

Okay, so Wasteman is absolutely incredible, but seriously, brace yourself. It’s not for the faint of heart – it’s brutally honest and packs a real punch, reminding me of films like Scum and Starred Up in how unflinchingly it shows things. Honestly, even if you can’t handle it, the people in charge of things – the Home Office, specifically – need to see this. It’s that important.

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” shares some similarities with other works: it’s not set in prison, and while intended to be funny, it primarily focuses on one person desperately trying to overcome what seem like impossible obstacles.

Linda, portrayed with stunning skill by Rose Byrne – a performance that’s already earned her a Golden Globe – is a strong contender for Best Actress at next month’s Academy Awards.

I’ve been seeing Linda for a while now, and she’s amazing. She’s a psychotherapist who genuinely cares about helping people find their footing and inner peace. It’s ironic, though, because while she’s so skilled at guiding others, I get the sense she’s quietly struggling with her own challenges, like she’s walking a tightrope herself.

Her daughter is ill and requires round-the-clock attention, a challenge that’s made even harder after a flood and ceiling collapse force them to move into a rundown motel.

She’s already stressed because her husband (Christian Slater) is at sea, and his critical phone calls aren’t helping. To make matters worse, she doesn’t feel understood by her therapist coworker (Conan O’Brien).

Writer-director Mary Bronstein has shared that her film, while not a direct retelling of her life, draws heavily from her personal experience caring for a very sick child. She describes it as ’emotionally true’ rather than autobiographical, and it presents a wildly energetic perspective on the…

Motherhood is full of juggling many things at once, with moments ranging from the bizarre to the hilariously chaotic – like the time Linda had to manage a runaway hamster in her car.

Significantly, Byrne gets lots of unsparing close-ups yet the

The film focuses briefly on the daughter, but the story is primarily about the mother and how her child’s illness impacts her. It’s worth noting that the film was produced in part by the husband of the director, Ronald Bronstein, who recently co-wrote the successful film Marty Supreme with Josh Safdie, and Safdie himself.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always looking for experiences that truly move you, and this film definitely delivers – though maybe not in the way you’d expect! ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ is a whirlwind of energy, reminding me of films like ‘Marty Supreme’ and ‘Uncut Gems’ – all projects with that same frantic, captivating vibe. It’s a really rewarding watch, but be warned: it’s intense! Honestly, you won’t find many movies that will leave you as energized – and maybe a little exhausted – after just 113 minutes.

All films are in cinemas now.

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2026-02-20 04:51