Wasteman is arriving at Cineworld on 20th February, but Unlimited members got an early screening of this gritty and raw depiction of the UK prison system.
Recently nominated for a BAFTA in the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer category, Wasteman follows Taylor (David Jonsson), who is up for parole and on the precipice of a fresh start. However, his new cellmate, Dee (Tom Blyth), draws him in to the underbelly of the prison’s illicit trading network, taking on Paul (Alex Hassell) in an attempt to head up the operation.
Harrowing and authentic are just a few words that have been used to describe Wasteman thus far, and it’s certainly left an impression on Unlimited members, too. Read on for what they thought of Wasteman and book your tickets to watch the film come 20th February.
The next Unlimited screening is happening on the 16th February with The Secret Agent. Sign up to Unlimited and attend the screening as well as watching as many films as you want every month, costing the equivalent of two cinema tickets on average.
Featuring former prisoners and drawing from sources to do justice to the realities of living in a prison in the UK, one thing that stands out for many Unlimited members when watching Wasteman is how truthful and tenderly it handles this storyline, while not falling into the trap of romanticising prison or its inhabitants.
a captivating and raw view of the UK prison system, giving us glimpses of the humanity of those stuck inside whilst making sure the audience never forgets the film's setting. remarkable performances from blyth and jonsson.
— lola 📝 (@LolaCrossman) February 11, 2026
Unlimited member Ryan is an ex-prison officer, so the fact he felt this was an accurate, anxiety-inducing portrayal speaks volumes for how well done Wasteman is in bringing this environment to the big screen in an authentic way.
As an ex prison officer of 10 years, this was very anxiety-inducing. Some dramatic licence for story reasons but overall the most realistic prison film for some time. Tom Blyth was amazing.
— ExBlox (@Ryan21424003) February 11, 2026
Unlimited members described Wasteman as intense, gripping, and claustrophobic.
Excellent, best movie of the year so far for me. Gripping and tense whilst being sad and depressing (state of the UK prison system) at the same time.
— Matthew Ford (@fatcakz) February 11, 2026
It was good. Well acted, found some of it uncomfortable to watch. Very tense
— didcotdaz (@Bigd1974DK) February 12, 2026
I couldn't stop squirming!
— TheReelPrincess (@TheReelPrincess) February 11, 2026
Don’t sleep on Wasteman just because it might not feel like your typical film – this is one all have to watch. Even this Unlimited member appreciated what it was doing.
It’s not one of my favourite genres but I found the film utterly compelling from start to finish. Jonnson & Blyth both fantastic and there was a real sense of claustrophobic tension throughout. Never saw that ending coming
— The Fourth Dimension (@Mike_J_Lord) February 12, 2026
And the finale will take you by complete surprise.
It was brutal but tragic with brilliant performances by David Jonsson and Tom Blyth.
— Sue Ginda 🏴🇺🇦🇪🇺🇬🇧Ⓥ (@SueGinda) February 11, 2026
No spoilers but I could never have guessed that ending #wasteman
Great central performances made the film feel very real. There was a sense of dread building all the way through to that incredibly tense final 20 minutes.
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) February 11, 2026
And David Jonsson and Tom Blythe put on incredible performances not to be missed.
Amazing! Great performances and just a solid yet fresh take on the prison system!
— Gee💗 (@its_georgia01) February 11, 2026
The score is also worthy of note – a big hit with Joseph and Jada.
A tense look into the overfull and understaffed prisons in the UK. An incredible performance from David Jonsson. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout. Loved the original score by Forest Swords as well. It's an 9/10 from me #Wasteman #UnlimitedScreening
— Joseph (@JCarroll1515) February 11, 2026
absolutely incredible! david and tom were amazing as always, loved the score so much
— jada 🍿 (@ninthdctr) February 11, 2026
Book your tickets to watch Wasteman, out 20th February at Cineworld.