Starred Up
We're all different on the inside.
Overview
19-year-old Eric, arrogant and ultra-violent, is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father. As his explosive temper quickly finds him enemies in both prison authorities and fellow inmates — and his already volatile relationship with his father is pushed past breaking point — Eric is approached by a volunteer psychotherapist, who runs an anger management group for prisoners. Torn between gang politics, prison corruption, and a glimmer of something better, Eric finds himself in a fight for his own life, unsure if his own father is there to protect him or join in punishing him.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Starred Up is set in a British prison system, providing a unique cultural context that offers insights into the UK's correctional facilities and their challenges.
- Starred Up offers a powerful performance by Jack O'Connell as Eric, a volatile young prisoner grappling with his past.
- The film explores complex themes of father-son relationships, prison life, and the struggle for redemption, making it thought-provoking and engaging.
- The raw and unfiltered portrayal of prison dynamics and human behavior will appeal to those who enjoy gritty, realistic dramas.
Fun Facts
- The film was written by Jonathan Asser, a psychotherapist who has worked with prisoners for over a decade, lending an authenticity to the portrayal of prison life.
- Jack O'Connell, who plays Eric, spent time in a real prison to prepare for his role, further enhancing the film's gritty realism.
- Starred Up is a British production but was filmed primarily in Norway due to limitations in filming inside UK prisons.