Recently, in the British Independent Film Awards, STARRED UP dominated the nominations and we also gave it a rave review at the London Film Festival, so we’re very eager to share official details from Fox Searchlight.
STARRED UP is the story of a young man, Eric (Jack O’Connell), who is prematurely transferred from a young offenders’ institution to adult jail for being too violent. As he struggles to assert himself against the prison officers and the other inmates, he has to confront his own father Nev (Ben Mendelsohn), a man who has spent most of his life in jail. As Eric forges allegiances with other prisoners, and learns that his rage can be overcome through his work with prison therapist Oliver (Rupert Friend), he discovers the new rules of survival. But there are forces at work that threaten to destroy him.
The film is directed by award-winning UK filmmaker David Mackenzie (YOUNG ADAM, HALLAM FOE) from a screenplay written by first-time scriptwriter Jonathan Asser, who has a background in the prison system working as an innovative therapist. The title comes from the process of prematurely upgrading a teenager from a Young Offenders’ Institution to Adult Prison.
STARRED UP stars Jack O’Connell (HARRY BROWN), Ben Mendelsohn (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) and Rupert Friend (Homeland). The film was shot on location in Crumlin Road Prison in the UK in 2013.
STARRED UP will open in the UK and Ireland on 21st March 2014, distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
