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Parents' Guide to

Starred Up

By Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Hard, powerful prison drama offers a glimmer of hope.

Movie NR 2014 106 minutes
Starred Up Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

HBayazeed
HBayazeed Adult
November 25, 2018
age 18+

Shockingly good in all ways possible!

Starred Up is a powerful experience about a 19-year old who was bound to a union with his absent father even if not under the best circumstances. Not only is it powerful, but truly captivating and that is whether in literal and figurative retrospect to the film's synopsis and hence unflinching choice of setting. It is a truly and unforgettable and relentless experience. (Note: the film has non-sexual but explicit male nudity, strong pervasive language, bloody violence and some disturbing content throughout)
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Stone-faced, hair-trigger teenager Eric Love (Jack O'Connell) is no stranger to prison, but now he's old enough to be transferred from youth prison to the real deal, or "starred up," as it's known in prison slang. Guarded and coiled and already with extensive prison experience under his belt, it's not long before Eric's explosive nature gets him in trouble. But a prison therapist, Oliver (Rupert Friend), recommends that Eric join his group sessions to work on his temper. It's not an easy process, but Eric also gets a helping hand from long-timer Neville (Ben Mendelsohn), who has a special relationship with the troubled youth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

English director David Mackenzie (Young Adam, Spread) has never made films that were easy to watch or easy to like, but with STARRED UP, he seems to have found some kind of balance at last. As it begins, with its hard, unflinching look at a prisoner transferred to an adult institution, it might recall Steve McQueen's very tough Hunger (2008), but though Starred Up always retains its edge, it finds a sympathetic heart as well.

Certainly it could easily have turned into a goopy, Hollywood-lite movie about redemption, but vivid details and the excellent, wounded performances help anchor things in something closer to truth. O'Connell gives a star-making performance, and Friend plays the therapist with a certain resigned gravity. Mackenzie's camera could easily have slipped into documentary-like shaky-cam, but it's as reserved and unfazed as the concrete walls all around it. This is a powerful film that's also surprisingly watchable.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Starred Up's violence and fighting. How does the movie present these things? How do they make you feel? How does their impact compare to that of less-realistic movie violence?

  • Is the main character likable? Is he a sympathetic character? Why or why not? How does he show his humanity?

  • Does the prison therapist appear to be doing some good for his patients?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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