Wasteman

Last updated

Wasteman
Wasteman poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCal McMau
Screenplay by
  • Hunter Andrews
  • Eoin Doran
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyLorenzo Levrini
Edited byJames A. Demetriou
Production
company
Agile Films
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release dates
  • 6 September 2025 (2025-09-06)(TIFF)
  • 20 February 2026 (2026-02-20)(United Kingdom)
Running time
90 minutes [1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Wasteman is a 2025 British prison film directed by Cal McMau from a screenplay by Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran. The film stars Tom Blyth and David Jonsson.

Contents

Wasteman premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2025, and is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom by Lionsgate on 20 February 2026.

Cast

Production

The film is directed by Cal McMau and written by Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran. It is produced by Bankside Films and produced by Sophia Gibber and Myles Payne of Agile Films with Philip Barantini and Samantha Beddoe’s It’s All Made Up Productions and Hoopsa Films. [2]

The cast is led by David Jonsson and Tom Blyth and also includes Alex Hassell, Corin Silva and Neil Linpow. [3] [4]

Principal photography took place in London and Somerset in the summer of 2024. [5] [6] Filming locations included Shepton Mallet Prison. [7]

Cinematography was by Lorenzo Levrini. [8]

The film's original score is composed and produced by British artist Matthew Barnes, known as Forest Swords. [9]

Release

The film premiered in the Centrepiece program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. [10] The film is set to be released in the United Kingdom on 20 February 2026. [11]

Reception

The Upcoming wrote, "In an immersive journey, Wasteman escalates from gritty prison drama to pulse-pounding suspense, powered by its remarkable co-leads firing on all cylinders." [12]

Critics at RogerEbert.com said, "there’s a spark that the film gains from these two young performers that's never extinguished." [13]

Accolades

Award / FestivalDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
British Independent Film Awards 30 November 2025 Best Lead Performance David Jonsson Nominated [14]
Best Supporting Performance Tom Blyth Nominated
Best Music SupervisionPhil CanningNominated
Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director) Cal McMauWon
Best Debut Screenwriter Hunter Andrews and Eoin DoranNominated

References

  1. ↑ "Wasteman (18)". BBFC . September 5, 2025. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  2. ↑ Kay, Jeremy (May 10, 2024). "Bankside launching David Jonsson, Tom Blyth prison thriller 'Wasteman' in Cannes; Lionsgate takes UK & Ireland (exclusive)". Screen Daily. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  3. ↑ Tabbara, Mona (November 5, 2024). "Bankside Films reveals first look at 'Wasteman' starring David Jonsson, Tom Blyth (exclusive)". Screen Daily. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  4. ↑ Raven, Elina (May 11, 2024). "David Jonsson and Tom Blyth Set to Star in Cal McMau's Prison Thriller 'Wasteman'". Maxblizz.com. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  5. ↑ Calnan, Ellie (July 18, 2024). "2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland: latest updates". Screen Daily. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  6. ↑ Calnan, Ellie (August 14, 2024). "2024 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland: latest updates". Screen Daily. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  7. ↑ Linham, Laura (August 27, 2024). "Shepton Mallet Prison closes for major film production, exciting locals and visitors". Sheptonmallet.nub.news. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  8. ↑ Brown, Dwight (October 13, 2025). "Wasteman — 2025 TorontoInternational Film Festival". Dwight Brown Ink. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  9. ↑ https://www.tiff.net/films/wasteman
  10. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 5, 2025). "TIFF Centrepiece Section Counts 55 Titles Including Pics Starring Shailene Woodley, Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Samara Weaving, Stephen Graham & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  11. ↑ Billington, Alex (October 16, 2025). "First Look Teaser for 'Wasteman' Prison Movie Starring David Jonsson". First Showing. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  12. ↑
  13. ↑
  14. ↑ Ford, Lily; Szalai, Georg (November 3, 2025). "British Independent Film Awards: 'My Father's Shadow' and 'Pillion' Lead Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved November 3, 2025.
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