Wasteman (2026) Review
Wasteman, Wasteman, Wasteman them boys up to something.
R | UK | 1h 31m | Crime, Drama, and Thriller
Wasteman is a thrilling close-quarters prison drama that really leans on its two lead performances. Taylor (David Jonsson) is on the verge of early parole, just trying to keep his head down. Enter Dee (Tom Blyth), an inmate who completely shifts the energy. From there, it turns into this quiet power struggle that keeps building. The baggage that they all carry is heavy and the stakes are too high.
The vertical iPhone footage wasn’t really my thing, but I get what it was going for. It puts you right in that confined space and adds to the tension, giving it certain interesting POV. It’s a solid look at what someone’s willing to do for freedom, and how far they’ll push it.
Jonsson is willing to do whatever it takes to not lose his parole. The film does lead you to believe that Jonsson has a teenage child, which feels a little unbelievable granted he is 32 years of age. Blyth, however, plays his part well as inmate with a short fuse on a bomb that could explode at any moment. He has nothing to lose and that kind of energy is dangerous.
Ultimately, what makes this work for me is Jonsson and Blyth. Their chemistry feels natural but unpredictable, like the dynamic could flip at any moment. It’s a chess match of wills. These are two the best actors working right now, and they carry the film all the way through to a tense finish. It’s not breaking new ground but I am glad it showcases two of the best performances of the year.
