Wasteman

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1:57

Wasteman

Apr 2026

1h 30m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

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100%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Taylor is branded a "wasteman" by society, his family and in prison. In a world of parties, gangs and violence, he's managed to keep out of trouble. However, with the arrival of chaotic cellmate Dee, the chance to make early parole and get his life back are put in jeopardy.

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Critics Consensus

A prison picture with a terrific pair of lead performances by David Jonsson and Tom Blyth, Wasteman is harrowing, superbly acted across the board, and revealing about the incentives for violence in the correctional system.

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Tim Grierson

Los Angeles Times

Apr 27

The movie’s bitterest irony is that, of the two men, it’s ultimately Dee who may be more honorable.

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Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

Apr 17

3.5/4

It's a genre piece with tragic weight.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Apr 15

3/4

Through the jangly use of cellphone cameras capturing violence on the cellblock and a winnowed down running time, “Wasteman” doesn’t waste one second of a film time. It certainly has a surplus of talent in front of and behind the camera.

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Chuck Bowen

Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)

May 19

This is a ruthlessly assured movie.

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Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

May 13

4/5

Infused with just enough unpredictability, the film sustains attention from beginning to end, refusing to let the viewer look away.

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Derrick Murray

That Hashtag Show

Apr 30

Wasteman is sometimes suffocating...as explores the strain of an overcrowded prison, but locks you in with its constant sense of dread and looming chaos around every corner. Jonsson and Blyth push the film over the edge of greatness...

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Aaron D

@Doober 12h

With a middling second act that had me feeling the film was a tad flimsy and unfocused, a strong intro and third act does redeem an otherwise odd prison drama.

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Vincent S

@Vin_E_At_The_Movies Jun 19

This is an excellent prison drama, one of the best in years. David Jonsson and Tom Blyth give intense, outstanding performances. The direction is outstanding and this is never boring from the first frame to the end. There are real stakes and suspense here.

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Bill A

@RT09444064 Jun 1

Literally one of the best films I’ve ever seen Had to see it 3 times in the cinema!

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Matt B

@MattBairdUK Jun 1

Beautifully acted, directed and hugely entertaining!

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Fionn M

@fionnmacd Jun 1

Visceral film with fantastic performances from both leads and slick direction. Well worth it, and what an ending!!

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Dugal M

@RT35325361 Jun 1

Awesome. Was on the edge of my seat the whole film

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Cal McMau

Director

David Jonsson

Taylor

Tom Blyth

Dee

Alex Hassell

Paul

Corin Silva

Gaz

Paul Hilton

Browning

Wasteman: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Taylor is branded a "wasteman" by society, his family and in prison. In a world of parties, gangs and violence, he's managed to keep out of trouble. However, with the arrival of chaotic cellmate Dee, the chance to make early parole and get his life back are put in jeopardy.

Director: Cal McMau
Producer: Sophia Gibber, Myles Payne
Screenwriter: Hunter Andrews, Eoin Doran, Hunter Andrews, Eoin Doran
Distributor: Vertigo Releasing / Sunrise Films
Production Co: Agile Films
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 17, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 19, 2026
Runtime: 1h 30m