Wasteman review: David Jonsson shines in a tightly wound prison drama
★★★★☆ | A smart, misdirecting film that refuses easy judgement, Michael Morgan writes
Soon to be paroled, Taylor, played by David Jonsson, in between barbering, working the servery and snorting copious amounts of makeshift drugs, is trying to keep his nose clean. Pun intended.
It’s his reliance on the white powder he snorts that proves to be both a gift and a curse to him as he tries to navigate his last few days on the wing, which will also see him meeting his now young-adult son for the first time.
With the introduction of his new mercurial cellmate, Dee, played with menace by Tom Blyth, we quickly see him leaning into the title of the movie and really bringing it to life as his chance of freedom is put in jeopardy.
Taylor doesn’t want any problems messing up his planned release, so the constant cowering to those supplying him drugs and Dee is hard to watch at times, especially as Dee blows hot and cold about their uneasy friendship, which quickly seems to be forming between the two.
Taylor, after enduring a rapid succession of bully boy tactics from his new neighbour, goes from hating his new neighbour to finding that he is both more supportive and protective than he initially gave him credit for.
Wasteman is definitely created with the TikTok generation in mind as raps are documented using the portrait-style reportage via mobile phones we are used to seeing on the app.
Also in abundance are the beatings given out by those seeking to re-establish the prison’s hierarchy, reminding everyone that not only will their punishment be seen inside the prison, but also served up to a hungry audience on social media platforms outside of it.
The film is a resolute reminder that judging a book by its cover is probably one of the worst mistakes you can make about those detained at His Majesty’s pleasure.
Taylor, at the end of his many years served for manslaughter, is a complex, multilayered character expertly crafted by writers Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran.
The role, delivered by 2025 BAFTA winner Jonsson, under the impressive debut directorship of Cal McMau, just doubly underlines his talent as an actor.
The film is extremely clever with its sleight of hand and misdirection that wrongfoots you to the extent that you feel you may have thought you were in for yet another by-the-numbers prison drama with prerequisite intimidation, violence and drug use. You aren’t.
It challenges you as a viewer to keep up with the subtle hints and character arcs which evolve over the breezy 90 minutes and culminate in a twist you won’t see coming.
Wasteman has earned a nomination for ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer’ at the 2026 BAFTAs. Rightly so, it is definitely deserving.
Its pace and storytelling are phenomenal and, given the short space of time in which we get to see the nuances of each character, they are incredibly well drawn, especially how well each of them, in particular Jonsson, plays their cards so closely to their chest.
The story unfolds in a claustrophobic, stifling environment, yet still finds room for thrilling elements and subtle humour.
It’s basically like watching 3D chess as the pawns morph into kings and the kings become pawns.
It’s a must-watch, a film which you should definitely check, mate.
Wasteman is out on 20 February in the UK and Ireland. Free tickets to see the film are currently on offer
Michael Morgan is a pen-for-hire who has previously written for The Voice, Hip Hop Connection, TOUCH magazine, iNews and the Metro. Passionate about the needs of young adults and those living with mental health conditions, he spent several years working as a mentor alongside people excluded from mainstream education. A habitual line-stepper, lover of Hip Hop and film, Michael has previously been a regular film pundit on BBC Radio Essex. He has also presented, produced and directed ‘The Frontrow’, his own programme, which aired on BEN TV.