Starred Up

Starred Up is a British crime-drama film released in 2013, expertly directed by David Mackenzie, and written by Jonathan Asser. The title is a euphemism borrowed from the British penal lexicon, referring to a young offender, so uncontrollably violent that he is 'starred up' or transferred to an adult prison. The central premise explores the explosive dynamics of a penal culture, laced with anger, sheer brutality, and power play.

The film stars Jack O'Connell, who delivers a stunning performance as the troubled protagonist, Eric Love. Love is a hotheaded and violent 19-year-old prisoner, prematurely moved to an adult prison due to his unruly nature. His youthful energy, violent outbursts, and rebelliousness become a source of considerable tension within a system that's populated by men who've spent years perfecting the art of survival through manipulation and intimidation.

Starred Up portrays some of the raw and hard-hitting realities of prison life. Similarly, it unveils the poignant yet often overlooked complexities of the father-son relationship within the unique context of an adult penitentiary situation. The nuances of the plot are made more intriguing when Love discovers that his estranged father, Neville, played by Ben Mendelsohn, is among the prison inmates. The relationship is anything but easy and it adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Mendelsohn's performance doubles up the intensity with his portrayal of Neville, a hardened veteran inmate who wrestles with long-buried paternal instincts that start resurfacing upon his son's arrival. His role captures both aspects of hardened criminal and lost father, filling the film with interesting emotions and providing the narrative with a deep sense of foreboding and tension.

Apart from the tension-filled father-son relationship, the film is also notable for its depiction of therapy sessions within the prison. These scenes feature Rupert Friend's character, Oliver, an empathetic volunteer therapist working within the prison system who tries to draw the very reluctant Eric into his therapy group. Oliver works on a voluntary basis to reform the inmates by teaching them to control their aggressive impulses. His efforts, though often overlooked, allow the audience to breathe within the tense undertone that persistently hangs over the premises of the prison cells.

Starred Up is unflinching in its portrayal of the harrowing realities of confinement, discipline, and penalties in prison life. Its narrative weaves through a labyrinth of power dynamics, laying bare the brutish hierarchy and the stark odds stacked against young, volatile prisoners like Eric. At the same time, it underscores the importance of human connection and the power of redemption against a complex backdrop of resentment and unspoken resentments.

Throughout Starred Up, the audience encounters instances of violence teetering on the brink of uncontrollability, bitter animosity among inmates, the palpable tension brewing between father and son, and the benevolent yet vulnerable persistence of a therapist to intervene and make a difference within this harsh world. David Mackenzie masterfully maintains a balance between the violence, the emotional depth, and the gritty realism of the movie, making it a compelling piece worth watching.

The cinematography of the film mirrors the harsh realities of prison life; the frames are often claustrophobic, gritty, and filled with unyielding tension. Starred Up pitches its narrative against the vividly grim atmosphere of the prison, underscoring the symbolic differences between confinement and freedom, discipline, and defiance, hatred, and empathy. Equally interspersed with shocking violent outbreaks and eloquent silent moments, the movie skillfully manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The screenplay by Jonathan Asser, a former therapist in the penal system, has a unique authenticity that engages the viewers throughout. It captures the essence of prison life and distills it into a captivating narrative that is both raw and profound. Complementing this is a thought-provoking conclusion that leaves viewers mulling over the film long after its end credits.

To summarize, Starred Up is a gripping, poignant, and unflinching drama that casts a cold, hard light on the prison system, human relationships, and inherent violence, stirring viewers with its authentic narrative and powerful performances. It's a riveting exploration of survival, redemption, and forging emotional connections in the most unlikely of places. Whether a fan of crime dramas or not, Starred Up's fascinating characters, storytelling prowess, and emotive resonance make it a must-watch.