Starred Up
Starred Up

Starred Up

2014Movie106 minEnglish

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.

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Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users88%
Director: David MackenzieGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A violent and troubled 19-year-old, Eric, is transferred to an adult prison where he is reunited with his estranged father, Neville, a prominent local convict. Navigating the brutal prison hierarchy, Eric struggles to control his rage and form a bond with his father, all while facing the harsh realities of incarceration.

Critical Reception

Starred Up received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its raw, visceral portrayal of prison life and its powerful performances. Critics lauded its intense atmosphere, unflinching realism, and compelling character dynamics, making it a standout in the crime drama genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty authenticity and intense performances, especially from Jack O'Connell.
  • Hailed as a brutal yet compelling look at the harsh realities of prison life and fractured family relationships.
  • Lauded for its tense atmosphere and unflinching portrayal of violence and survival within the system.

Google audience: Viewers overwhelmingly found 'Starred Up' to be a powerful and realistic depiction of prison life. They appreciated the strong acting, the film's intensity, and its thought-provoking exploration of father-son relationships within a harsh environment.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best British Film at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards. Jack O'Connell won the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor.

Fun Fact

The film was shot entirely on location within an actual former prison, Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, adding to its authentic atmosphere.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Reno

Reno

The latest British prison movie, which was partially based on the true story. The whole movie was shot inside a prison evolving into depicting the prison life. When a young, but a violent crime offender, Eric been transformed into an adult ...