Two prisoners perfect a delicate dance of appeasement and self-interest in ‘Wasteman’

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Prison movies, much like the prisons they depict, can feel limited in scope. They frequently explore familiar ideas about what it means to be a man, feelings of remorse, and the possibility of finding forgiveness, often with tough, emotionally damaged characters facing intense hardship. While always gripping, the genre can be a bit predictable, offering a look into a harsh and intensely masculine world that most viewers only see in fiction.

Cal McMau’s first feature film doesn’t offer a groundbreaking take on prison survival stories, but it effectively highlights what still works about the classic premise of an average person struggling to survive in jail. Plus, a strong performance from up-and-coming actor David Jonsson adds some fresh nuance to a well-worn story.

Jonsson, also known as Taylor, has spent the last 13 years in a U.K. prison after a drug deal resulted in a fatal accident. He’s quiet and eager to please, and tries to stay out of trouble. This often means he’s taken advantage of by tougher inmates, Paul and Gaz, whom he cuts hair for in exchange for drugs to feed his addiction. Taylor has become numb and withdrawn, simply going through the motions to survive his constant drug use.

I was really drawn into the story of Taylor, a prisoner who thought he might finally get parole. It’s explained that the system is just so overcrowded, they need to free non-violent offenders to make space for the really dangerous ones. He’s desperate to reconnect with his teenage son, Adam, and you can feel him starting to hope again. But then this new cellmate, Dee, shows up, and I just knew things were about to get complicated.

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Tom Blyth portrays Dee as a menacing and confident character, a stark contrast to Taylor, who is initially timid. Dee immediately establishes himself as a powerful force within the prison, becoming the go-to person for everything from basic necessities like sneakers and candy to contraband like drugs. He aggressively asserts his control, even resorting to violence – he cuts another inmate after learning of a past rivalry. Taylor, as always, quietly adjusts to the dangerous environment, becoming a non-threatening and reliable figure, eventually gaining Dee’s confidence and friendship. Dee becomes fascinated with Taylor and arranges for gifts to be sent to Adam, pretending they’re from his father.

“Wasteman” sets up an unlikely pairing and then focuses on the inevitable conflict that arises. Paul and Gaz, used to running the prison, resent Dee’s presence, and their growing tension threatens Taylor’s chance at parole. However, the film presents Taylor as a more complex character than initially expected.

David Jonsson is quickly becoming known for his versatility, with standout roles in shows like HBO’s “Industry,” as well as films like “Rye Lane” and “The Long Walk.” Despite the variety of characters he plays, Jonsson consistently portrays a thoughtful and intelligent actor, leaving audiences curious about his inner world.

Jonsson often communicates volumes without saying a word, and in “Wasteman,” he uses his quiet nature and slight build to create a character who feels less threatening than the others. He’s not a dangerous criminal like Dee; he’s simply a man who made a poor decision to provide for his child. The film initially leads us to feel sorry for this vulnerable person caught in a harsh situation.

As the story unfolds, Jonsson makes Taylor a more complex character. While seemingly desperate to break free and continue using drugs – trading one form of escape for another – he increasingly appears to lack morals or a strong ethical code. When Paul and Gaz challenge Dee, Taylor’s reaction is shockingly cowardly, hinting that he’s always been weak-willed, even before ending up in prison. The film initially portrays Taylor as a good person, but it becomes clear this is just a carefully constructed facade to protect himself.

Though it follows the typical structure of a prison film, this story focuses on a seemingly unimportant inmate who learns that staying neutral has repercussions, both behind bars and in the outside world. Despite his violent nature, Taylor’s cellmate, played by Blyth, is presented as a genuinely loyal and principled person. Ironically, the film suggests that Dee might actually be the more morally upright of the two characters.

Sometimes, McMau’s efforts to make the story feel brutally real don’t quite succeed. He uses recreated scenes, inspired by actual footage smuggled out of prison on cellphones, which can feel a bit forced. However, he excels at developing the complex relationship between the two main characters as they clash within the tense prison environment. Blyth, like Jonsson, subtly reveals a rich inner life through quiet observation. As Taylor’s release date approaches, the tension intensifies. By the end of “Wasteman,” it’s no longer simple to pick a side – our feelings are complicated and unclear.

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2026-04-25 04:31