Wasteman – Review

Young prisoner Taylor (Jonsson) and his cell mate are razzed by a gang of pill pushers who are looking for missing product. Taylor reminds them that he buys from them, why would he steal? The cell mate, not so lucky as he is fingered by another inmate as the culprit, and winds up beaten and with a TV smashed on his head. Uhhhh…

Taylor’s focus now? Chill out, buckle down, and get back to business as usual. Taylor does push drugs inside, delivering crushed up pills to buyers in other blocks, as well as giving buzzcut trims to re-up on product. Too bad some of it hits his nose too, and that he has a TV to watch.

The following day brings a chance of early parole. If he completes a reintegration program at Grade 2 or above, he can get out on license. Maybe he can have a life outside. Sentences like his are being reviewed nationwide to take pressure of the service, but it is contingent on continued good behavior. If he can fill out a worksheet, and stay out of trouble, maybe he has a shot at this, and reuniting with his young son that he knows virtually nothing about.

With Taylor’s new focus and goal line, will he be able to keep his nose clean and away from prison yard scraps? What about when he gets a new cellmate Dee (Blyth) who pushes him to the limits with his unpredictable and aggressive behavior?

Wasteman is a very well-acted prison drama. While it ultimately is forced to cover some familiar ground due to its setting, the film is still able to present a strong dynamic which creates tension and drives the story through to its climax. Casting was fantastic as both Jonsson and Blyth really shine when they need to. The script is short and to the point which keeps the film running along.

While this type of film is not for everyone, Wasteman’s focal points give it the human element needed to add some suspense to the tale and emotional attachment to some of the convicts. It feels very realistic, and it is a compelling dramatic piece.