EE BAFTA 2025 Rising Star Winner David Jonsson and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes star Tom Blyth star in a gritty new prison drama called Wasteman, which has quietly scooped up its own BAFTA nomination.
Officially releasing on 20th February, Cal McMau’s Wasteman has been making the rounds at the film festivals, with plenty heralding its bold, brave storytelling, with two leading men as you’ve never seen them before. Here’s everything you need to know about Wasteman.
What is Wasteman about?
Wasteman is set in a British prison where Taylor (Jonsson) is up for parole and on the cusp of a fresh new start, with plans to get a job and reunite with his son. However, that could all be jeopardised by his new cellmate Dee (Blyth), who is transferred from another prison and endeavours to take Taylor under his wing.
Having kept his head down and avoided the violent scenes of prison life, one attack threatens Taylor’s chances at parole, left to choose between his freedom and his growing bond with Dee.
Who is in the Wasteman cast?
- David Jonsson as Taylor
- Tom Blyth as Dee
- Alex Hassell as Paul
- Corin Silva as Gaz
- Keaton Ancona-Francis as Stu
- Layton Blake as Maxi
- Neil Linpow as Robby
- Paul Hilton as Browning
What is the Wasteman release date in the UK?
Wasteman is arriving at Cineworld on 20th February.
Former prisoners starred in Wasteman
There’s a reason that Wasteman feels authentic, “prison tourism” something that Tom Blythe was particularly keen to avoid in the project. Blyth shared with The Times how working with former inmates through UK charity Switchback allowed to keep it true and honest.
“[Switchback’s consultant] made themselves so available. [We knew] we had people to honour by keeping it real and not exoticising it.Anytime we were on the verge of slipping into that, all we had to do was look up and see we were working alongside guys who had been through the system and were now our colleagues. They lived through this, and you don’t want to make them feel they’re being observed from afar.”
Has Wasteman been nominated for a BAFTA?
Wasteman has received a BAFTA nomination (with the awards taking place 22nd February) for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. Director Cal McMau and screenplay writers of Wasteman Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran share this nomination.
What does ‘wasteman’ mean?
‘Wasteman’ is common British slang to describe a person who is useless, lazy, and who often behaves badly and/or makes poor decisions. In the context of the film Wasteman, it describes these lawless, violent individuals who, in many ways, have permanently tarnished their lives.
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