Wasteman

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1:57

Wasteman

Apr 2026

1h 30m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

89%

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.

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)

3d

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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MB C

@MB.Cinema May 11

Wasteman is a prison drama .... It follows Taylor, an inmate nearing release, whose fragile routine is disrupted by a new arrival who changes everything. Their relationship evolves into a tense psychological battle, where survival blurs with manipulation. The film builds its conflict through quiet tension and layered character dynamics rather than major plot twists. Strong performances and a grounded atmosphere elevate the story, though some chaotic moments and rushed pacing weaken parts of it. A subtle yet intense character study that explores survival, control, and inner imprisonment......

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Les N

@Vegas628 May 11

Well that was depressing.

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Tanya H.

@RT83853232 May 5

Really enjoyed this. It had me on the edge of my seat. I both liked, and hated the antagonist

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Haydn S

@RT60408579 May 4

Brilliant casting and decent storyline with the added mix of anticipation and a sense of anxiety from the acting leads! Would reccomend highly if you are a fan of prison style films or if you fancy a watch that keeps you hooked with no wasted time!

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Roy J

May 4

Decent prison drama. Direction and acting is great, but story is simple.

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Rachel B.

@montbriac May 1

Great acting drives the tension

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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