“Brutal, Bleak and Gritty”: The Modern British Prison Thriller Wasteman Has Arrived on Netflix
British prison thrillers have long had a reputation for their harsh settings, tense characters and morally complicated stories. Wasteman takes that familiar territory and gives it a distinctly modern edge.
Starring Industry breakout David Jonsson alongside The Hunger Games star Tom Blyth, the film has earned strong critical attention for its performances, visual style and unpredictable story.
Now that Wasteman has been added to Netflix, the prison drama is reaching an even wider audience.
What is Wasteman about?
The story follows Taylor, a prison cook who learns that his good behaviour could make him eligible for early release.
Determined to get out as soon as possible, Taylor is already caught up in the prison’s drug network. He cuts hair for two of the facility’s biggest dealers in exchange for drugs that feed his addiction.
His situation changes when he is given a new cellmate, Dee.
Dee soon disrupts the prison’s existing network by starting to deal drugs himself. As tensions escalate, the two men develop a bond, but Taylor finds himself increasingly drawn into a conflict spreading across the prison.
What initially threatens Taylor’s chances of securing an early release soon becomes something much more serious, putting not only his future inside prison but also his life and family outside its walls at risk.
Who stars in Wasteman?
The film features a central cast led by:
- David Jonsson as Taylor
- Tom Blyth as Dee
- Corin Silva as Gaz, a dealer in the prison
- Alex Hassell as Paul, another dealer
Jonsson, who has emerged as a breakout star from Industry, takes on the role of Taylor, while Blyth — known for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes — plays his troubled new cellmate.
Their performances are a major part of the film’s appeal, particularly as the relationship between Taylor and Dee develops against an increasingly dangerous prison environment.
What have critics said about Wasteman?
Wasteman made a strong impression with critics and currently holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviews have highlighted the performances from Jonsson and Blyth, with particular praise for the way both actors bring energy and unpredictability to their respective characters.
The film has also attracted attention for its distinctive visual approach and a plot that continually shifts direction, helping it stand apart from more conventional prison dramas.
With its combination of a tense prison setting, two compelling lead performances and a story built around escalating conflict, Wasteman offers a contemporary take on a well-established British thriller genre.
And with the film now available on Netflix, viewers have the chance to see what has made the drama stand out with critics.