Watch Starred Up

Starred Up is a gritty, intense drama film released in 2013. It follows the story of a young man named Eric Love, who is transferred to an adult prison after being deemed too dangerous for young offenders institutions. Eric, played by Jack O'Connell, quickly finds himself in trouble as he struggles to navigate the dangerous and violent world of the prison. His father, Neville Love, played by Ben Mendelsohn, is also incarcerated in the same facility and tries to help his son adapt to life behind bars.

However, Neville is a seasoned criminal with his own set of issues, including a drug addiction that threatens to tear apart their already strained relationship. Meanwhile, Oliver Baumer, a therapist played by Rupert Friend, takes Eric under his wing and tries to get him to control his temper and come to terms with his anger issues.

The film is set in a bleak and unwelcoming prison environment that is masterfully portrayed. The audience is shown the raw reality of life in prison, including the random acts of violence that can occur at any time. The tension and sense of danger are palpable in every scene, and the film does an excellent job of showing how the prison walls can rob inmates of their humanity and leave them with nothing but anger and despair.

The performances in Starred Up are outstanding. Jack O'Connell delivers a deeply emotional and powerful portrayal of Eric Love, capturing the character's inner turmoil with remarkable depth and authenticity. Equally compelling is Ben Mendelsohn's performance as Neville Love, a man who is trying to connect with his son but is battling his own demons.

Rupert Friend is also impressive as Oliver Baumer, the prison therapist who is determined to help Eric despite the young man's apparent reluctance to change. The chemistry between the three actors is electric, and their interactions are some of the most memorable moments in the film.

The film's director David Mackenzie has done an excellent job of crafting a story that is both brutal and beautiful. The themes of family, conflict, and redemption are all explored in a way that feels genuine and relatable. The film is not without its moments of violence and brutality, but they are never gratuitous, and serve to underscore the harsh reality of life in prison.

Overall, Starred Up is a gripping and thought-provoking film that is not for the faint of heart. It is a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of prison life and the psychological toll it can take on those who are incarcerated. The performances by the three leads are all exceptional, and the film is a testament to the power of great acting and storytelling. If you are looking for a film that is both challenging and rewarding, Starred Up is definitely worth checking out.

Starred Up is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 81.