Starred Up
Seen it?2014 | 106 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (99% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Bronson or Midnight Express, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
99% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
3 wins and 8 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 67K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Bronson
Saturday SpecialAnother prison drama, and a Saturday Special.
Midnight Express
Friday Night FlickAnother prison drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
American History X Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved prison drama.
Lost Highway Saturday SpecialAnother prison drama, and a Saturday Special.
Fight Club Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by David Mackenzie
- Jack O'ConnellEric Love
- Ben MendelsohnNeville Love
- Rupert FriendOliver Baumer
- David AjalaTyrone
- Peter FerdinandoSpencer
- Gershwyn Eustache JnrDes
- Anthony WelshHassan
- David AveryAshley
- Sian BreckinGovernor Cardew
- Sam SpruellDeputy Governor Haynes