Trailers
Description
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.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Starred Up is widely regarded as a visceral, unflinching, and highly realistic prison drama that transcends genre tropes. The film is anchored by powerful lead performances, particularly from Jack O'Connell, whose portrayal of a volatile youth creates a compelling emotional core.
| Acting | Jack O'Connell delivers a breakout, career-defining performance as the volatile and desperate Eric. | |
| Direction | David Mackenzie’s direction successfully elevates standard prison tropes into a harsh, authentic, and intimate exploration of human nature. | |
| Screenplay | The script provides a raw and unvarnished look at prison dynamics, reflecting the writer's actual professional experience with therapeutic programs. | |
| Acting | Ben Mendelsohn provides a nuanced, layered performance that effectively anchors the strained father-son dynamic. | |
| Accessibility | The intense, graphic depiction of violence and constant profanity creates a gripping experience for some, but makes the film inaccessible to mainstream viewers. |