Starred Up 2014
Directed by
David Mackenzie
Made by
Tribeca Film
Plot Summary
Eric, a troubled 19-year-old, is “starred up” from a juvenile facility to a high-security adult prison due to his age and a history of violent behavior. Inside, he confronts the harsh reality of prison life, especially since his father, Neville, is serving a life sentence and holds a significant position as a lieutenant for the prison’s controlling crime boss. Faced with the grim atmosphere, Eric’s aggression escalates as he violently attacks both guards and inmates.
Fortunately for Eric, he finds an unexpected ally in Oliver, a volunteer prison therapist who interjects just in time to save him from severe retribution. Oliver persuades Eric to participate in a group therapy session composed of men with similar violent pasts, exploring the depths of their rage and seeking healing. However, the sessions often spiral into chaotic verbal confrontations, yet Oliver skillfully navigates these moments, helping the men channel their anger constructively.
As Eric begins to engage with the group and develop camaraderie, he is troubled by his father’s disapproval, who insists he “learn to behave” under the therapist’s guidance. Neville’s perspective is clouded by prejudice, criticizing Eric for “fraternizing” with the other group members. Tensions mount when three inmates attempt to humiliate Eric, but in a surprising turn, one of his black group-mates intervenes, showcasing solidarity amidst the chaos.
The relationship between father and son is tumultuous, marked by Neville’s attempts to assert control and Eric’s struggles for independence. When Eric tries to express his bottled emotions to his father, he is confronted with the uncomfortable truth of Neville’s hidden romantic involvement with his cellmate, which leaves Eric feeling repulsed.
As Eric’s situation becomes more precarious, the crime boss, Dennis, sees potential in him and initially steps into a mentorship role. However, their relationship turns hostile when Eric violently lashes out at Dennis. Facing a new level of danger, Dennis, intent on eliminating Eric, orders the prison director to stage his death. In a heart-stopping moment, as Neville defies Dennis, a brutal struggle ensues, culminating in Neville overpowering the boss and saving Eric from a grim fate.
During Neville’s transfer out of the prison, the guards permit a fleeting, heartfelt reunion between father and son, highlighting the fragile bond that their shared experiences have shaped.
Timeline
Eric is Starred Up
Eric, a troubled 19-year-old, is moved from a juvenile facility to a high-security adult prison due to his age and violent past. This transition marks the beginning of his harsh experience in a ruthless environment where survival is paramount.
Father's Influence
Eric learns that his estranged father, Neville, is serving a life sentence in the same prison. Neville holds a significant position as a lieutenant for the controlling crime boss, intensifying Eric’s struggles with his identity and familial relationships.
Escalation of Violence
Upon entering the prison, Eric's aggression surges as he starts attacking both guards and other inmates. This behavior illustrates his struggle to cope with the realities of prison life and the challenges he faces in managing his anger.
Oliver's Intervention
Oliver, a volunteer prison therapist, intervenes just before Eric faces severe punishment for his actions. Recognizing Eric's potential, Oliver encourages him to join a group therapy session with other violent offenders, aiming to help him understand and manage his rage.
Group Therapy Sessions
During the group therapy sessions, tensions rise as the men confront their pasts and personal demons. Oliver adeptly manages the chaos that ensues, helping the individuals to channel their anger into constructive discussions.
Conflict with Father
As Eric deepens his engagement with the therapy group, he faces disapproval from his father. Neville criticizes Eric for making connections with other inmates, adding strain to their already fraught relationship.
Show of Solidarity
Eric faces humiliation from a group of three inmates; however, one of his group mates intervenes to support him. This moment of solidarity amidst chaos showcases the bonds formed through shared struggles in therapy.
Tumultuous Relationship
The relationship between Eric and Neville grows increasingly tumultuous, marked by hidden secrets and emotional confrontations. Eric discovers his father's romantic involvement with his cellmate, leading to feelings of repulsion and betrayal.
Dennis's Offer
The prison crime boss, Dennis, recognizes Eric’s potential and begins to mentor him. This relationship, initially promising, quickly becomes a source of danger as Eric struggles between acceptance and rebellion.
Turning Point
Eric's rebellious nature leads him to lash out violently at Dennis, turning their relationship hostile. Dennis's response is to plot Eric's elimination, putting Eric in jeopardy within the already dangerous prison environment.
Neville's Defiance
In a dramatic climax, Neville defies Dennis's orders, confronting the crime boss directly. Their brutal struggle not only highlights Neville's desperation to protect his son but also shifts the power dynamics within the prison.
Father-Son Reunion
As Neville is being transferred out of the prison, the guards allow for a brief and emotional reunion between him and Eric. This fleeting moment underscores the complexity of their relationship, shaped by trauma and shared experiences.
Characters
Eric
Eric is a troubled 19-year-old grappling with his violent tendencies after being transferred to a high-security prison. His character embodies both aggression and vulnerability, as he navigates complex relationships with inmates and family. Struggling for independence against the shadow of his father's influence, Eric's journey reflects the fight for personal change.
Neville
Neville, Eric's father, occupies a challenging position as a life-sentenced inmate and lieutenant of a crime boss. His character is defined by attempts to control Eric's behavior, rooted in prejudice and past trauma. His dual role as a father and criminal complicates their relationship, creating tension that drives much of the narrative.
Oliver
Oliver is a dedicated prison therapist who takes on the challenging task of guiding Eric and his fellow inmates toward healing. His calm demeanor and empathetic approach allow him to navigate the chaos of therapy sessions. Oliver's pivotal role highlights the importance of mental health support in the prison environment.
Dennis
Dennis serves as the menacing crime boss of the prison, representing the darker elements of prison life. Initially seeing potential in Eric, he eventually turns hostile, indicating the precarious nature of power dynamics within the facility. His character adds layers of threat and tension to Eric's struggle for survival.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern issues within the justice system and the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. This time period highlights the ongoing struggles of individuals adapting to life behind bars, as well as the complexities of familial relationships that persist in such environments.
Location
High-Security Prison
The high-security prison serves as a harsh and unforgiving backdrop for the film. Known for its strict rules and violent environment, it is a place where the consequences of actions are starkly evident. The prison is dominated by the presence of crime bosses and a culture of aggression, making it a setting ripe for conflict and personal growth.
Themes
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Family Struggles
The tumultuous relationship between Eric and his father, Neville, serves as a central theme of the movie. Their bond is strained by prison dynamics and past mistakes, showcasing the challenges of familial love in adverse circumstances. The struggle for approval and the quest for independence are pivotal in understanding their character arcs.
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Redemption
Eric's journey in the group therapy sessions reflects a deeper search for redemption amid violence and chaos. Through confronting emotional hurdles and developing connections with others, Eric seeks to transcend his troubled past. This theme emphasizes the importance of support systems in navigating personal change.
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Violence
The pervasive theme of violence highlights both the external and internal conflicts faced by individuals in prison. From physical altercations to emotional confrontations, the film explores the consequences of aggression on personal relationships and mental well-being. This theme underlines the struggles Eric faces in controlling his rage.
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