Eric is a young offender, who as the movie opens is being transferred to the big boys prison. His tough act may not impress many in his new surroundings. Within minutes of being in his new home, he has fashioned himself a weapon, just in case of protection, and ingratiated himself with the Wardens.
We experience day to day life within the Prison through Eric's eyes. Through a costly mistake, he shows the inmates and staff how volatile and violent he can be, and these actions upset Dennis, who oversees the wing that Eric has joined. His actions result in a lockdown, and this means a loss of business for Dennis. This does not go down well. Things have to change.
Eric is approached in the work yard by an old time lag. But it would seem that there is a connection between the two, as the elder convict is his Father, serving time in the same prison. He hopes to instill some parental control over his sons actions, and restore some calm to the Prison.
Though many see Eric as the young pretender, a mere nobody who thinks himself higher than he is, it soon becomes clear that he is someone not to be trifled with.
His father hopes that he can be calmed by Oliver, a volunteer who runs a classroom, where the inmates can talk about life, their time inside, and he tries to reassure them for when they leave prison. Initially the experience does not go well, but they do start to bond, especially when Oliver sees how brutal Eric can be, and believing that he can really do some good. But will he ultimately be successful?
This stark film is brilliantly directed by Brit David Mackenzie, and the screenplay by Jonathan Asser is based on his experiences working in a role similar to that of 'Oliver', nicely played by Rupert Friend. The film pulls no punches, is a brutal.violent depiction of life in prison. Peter Ferdinando is great as 'Dennis', the one who runs things inside, a quite slimy piece of work. Aussie Ben Mendelsohn has really lost his home accent, and excels as Eric's father, who has a few secrets of his own. But the film rightly belongs to Jack O' Connell who delivers a remarkable performance. His character conveys such anger, it makes one wonder what goes through an actors mind when they play those scenes? For a young actor of 23 years of age, he gives an assured performance, one of an actor far beyond his years, and he clearly has huge talent, that we will be enjoying for many years to come.
British, compelling, and worth the price of admission alone for O' Connell's outstanding work.....9 out of 10
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