In movies, a father-son bond can be repaired in various ways: A game of catch, a cross-country road trip, or a death in the family to name a few. Starred Up finds a new one by putting the reconnection inside a prison, and the attempts of a father to protect his reckless son from getting murdered by other inmates. Supported by excellent performances from Jack O'Connell and Ben Mendelsohn, director David Mackenzie and screenwriter Jonathan Asser have removed the schmaltz from this kind of story by taking two men who aren't just estranged; they're both violent and dangerous in a volatile environment. The filmmakers then proceed to further expand the story by offering the son different support structures and choices that further complicate the father-son relationship. Eric Love (O'Connell) has found his way into prison, and is already right at home. He's been through the juvenile detention process, and from the moment he's in his cell, he knows how to construct a shiv, how to hide it, and other tricks of the trade. What at first seems like a remarkably lenient London corrections system is revealed to be special treatment organized by Eric's father, Neville, a power player in the prison. However, Neville's generosity is no match for Eric's rage, and after an incredibly violent episode, the young inmate gets one chance to avoid permanent solitary if he joins a support group run by Oliver (Rupert Friend), a volunteer counselor. Neville at first encourages his son to join the group, but ...
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