British Prison Drama STARRED UP-Violence Stirred to the Max

The British film STARRED UP is a violent prison drama with maximum savage brutality.   This gripping film will confine you for the duration.  It is a fierce & disturbing look at inhumanity within prison walls.  The rage & ruthless sadistic behaviors of both prisoners & prison guards is chilling & authentic.  Dir. by British director, David McKenzie, the powerful performances by all the actors are painfully gripping.  Eric (Jack O'Connel) is a young convict just transferred to an adult correction facility for extremely vicious, high risk prisoners doing hard time.  The dehumanzing procedures used on inmates is depicted in chilling detail.  We watch Eric strip searched & controlled at every juncture.  Placed in his cell, we see Eric's devious means for procuring lethal objects.  We also see Eric observing other inmates' nefarious behaviors.  Eric's combustible brutality on a fellow inmate & prison guards occurs almost immediately.  He literally has a prison guard by the balls.  There are sparse moments of poignant connections amidst the omnipresent savagery.  Oliver (Rupert Friend, emmy nom. on HOMELAND) plays a sympathetic social worker.  He strives to rehabilitate & advocate for a small, select group of inmates.  Eric is placed in this group & gains a connection (& protection) with those in the group.  However, his estranged father, Neville (Ben Mendelsohn) is also incarcerated here.  Neville's misquited attempts at guidance only exacerbate prison life for Eric. STARRED UP refers to the hierarchy of prisoners marked for privileges & coverage from the feared "Don" in prison.  STARRED UP garnered acting awards for its 3 lead actors and won the Dublin Int'l Film Award '14.  There are stirring messages within this shocking depiction of prison life.  Violence begets violence and compassion breeds compassion.  I forewarn viewers of the horrific savagery on the screen while coercing you to see this film.