Starred Up (2014) Movie Review – A Gritty Exploration of Violence, Redemption, and Fatherhood
Starred Up (2014), directed by David Mackenzie, is a visceral and intense British drama that delves into the brutal world of the prison system while exploring themes of violence, redemption, and the complex dynamics of father-son relationships. Featuring a standout performance by Jack O’Connell, the film is a gripping and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life behind bars. This review will examine the film’s plot, thematic depth, direction, performances, and where to watch it online.
Plot Overview
The term “starred up” refers to the British prison system’s practice of moving a violent or troublesome young offender from a juvenile facility to an adult prison due to their behavior. In Starred Up, the protagonist, Eric Love (Jack O’Connell), is a 19-year-old inmate who is “starred up” to an adult prison due to his extremely violent behavior.
Eric, already hardened by years of institutional life, arrives at the adult prison with a chip on his shoulder and a volatile temperament. His arrival is marked by immediate conflict with both the prison staff and fellow inmates, leading to a series of violent confrontations. However, Eric’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters his estranged father, Neville Love (Ben Mendelsohn), who is also serving time in the same prison.
Neville, a long-term inmate who wields significant influence within the prison, attempts to guide Eric through the dangerous environment. However, their relationship is fraught with tension, resentment, and unresolved issues. The film follows their journey as they navigate the perilous world of prison life while grappling with their troubled past.
Amidst the violence and power struggles, Eric is offered a chance at rehabilitation through a prison therapy group led by Oliver (Rupert Friend), a counselor who sees potential in Eric beyond his violent tendencies. The group sessions become a battleground for Eric’s inner demons, as he struggles to control his anger and find a path to redemption.
Themes and Character Dynamics
Starred Up is a powerful exploration of several key themes, including the cycle of violence, the complexities of fatherhood, and the possibility of redemption in a seemingly hopeless environment. The film paints a bleak picture of the prison system, portraying it as a place where violence is both a survival mechanism and a destructive force that perpetuates a cycle of aggression and despair.
The relationship between Eric and Neville is central to the film’s narrative, serving as a poignant examination of the impact of generational trauma and the struggle for connection in a hostile environment. Neville’s attempts to protect and mentor Eric are complicated by their fraught history, as well as Neville’s own flaws and failings as a father. Their interactions are marked by a mix of paternal concern, frustration, and a deep-seated need for reconciliation.
Eric’s journey is one of internal conflict as he wrestles with his violent impulses and the possibility of change. The therapy sessions with Oliver offer a glimpse of hope, but they also force Eric to confront the root causes of his anger and the emotional scars left by his past. The film’s exploration of rehabilitation is nuanced, showing that the path to redemption is fraught with obstacles and setbacks.
Cinematic Style and Direction
David Mackenzie’s direction in Starred Up is raw and uncompromising, reflecting the brutal reality of the prison setting. The film’s visual style is characterized by its use of tight, claustrophobic shots that heighten the sense of tension and confinement. The gritty, almost documentary-like cinematography by Michael McDonough adds to the film’s stark realism, immersing the audience in the harsh world of the prison.
The film’s pacing is relentless, with scenes of intense violence juxtaposed with moments of emotional vulnerability. Mackenzie balances the film’s more brutal aspects with quieter, introspective moments that allow the characters to develop and the themes to resonate. The sound design, with its heavy use of ambient noise and minimal music, further enhances the film’s immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
Performances
The performances in Starred Up are exceptional, with Jack O’Connell delivering a career-defining portrayal of Eric Love. O’Connell’s performance is raw, intense, and deeply affecting, capturing the character’s volatility, pain, and underlying vulnerability. His portrayal of Eric is both terrifying and sympathetic, making him a complex and compelling protagonist.
Ben Mendelsohn is equally powerful as Neville Love, bringing a mix of menace and paternal concern to the role. Mendelsohn’s performance adds depth to the father-son dynamic, portraying Neville as a man shaped by the brutal environment of the prison but still yearning for redemption and connection with his son.
Rupert Friend provides a strong supporting performance as Oliver, the counselor who sees potential in Eric despite his violent tendencies. Friend’s portrayal adds a layer of hope to the film, serving as a counterbalance to the bleakness of the prison setting.
Critical Reception and Impact
Starred Up received widespread acclaim from critics for its intense and unflinching portrayal of prison life, as well as for the outstanding performances by its cast, particularly Jack O’Connell. The film was praised for its gritty realism, emotional depth, and its exploration of the complexities of father-son relationships within the context of a violent and oppressive environment.
The film’s impact lies in its ability to humanize its characters, portraying them not just as products of a brutal system but as individuals with their own struggles, desires, and potential for change. Starred Up offers a stark and thought-provoking commentary on the cycle of violence and the challenges of rehabilitation within the prison system.
Where to Watch Starred Up (2014) Online
For those interested in watching this intense and compelling drama, Starred Up is available on several streaming platforms and rental services:
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, with rental prices typically around $3.99 and purchase options for about $12.99.
- Apple TV: Starred Up can be rented or purchased through Apple TV, offering similar pricing to Amazon and providing a high-definition viewing experience.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is also available on Google Play Movies & TV, where it can be rented or purchased and watched on various devices.
- YouTube Movies: Starred Up is accessible on YouTube Movies for rent or purchase, providing a convenient option for streaming.
- Hulu: In some regions, the film may also be available for streaming with a Hulu subscription.
Final Verdict
Starred Up is a powerful and unflinching film that offers a harrowing look at the brutality of prison life while exploring the complex dynamics of fatherhood and the possibility of redemption. With its intense performances, particularly by Jack O’Connell, and its gritty, realistic portrayal of the prison system, the film stands out as a significant and impactful entry in the drama genre.
For viewers interested in character-driven stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the struggle for redemption, Starred Up is a must-watch. Its availability on multiple streaming platforms ensures that audiences can easily access this intense and thought-provoking film.
