Wasteman - Teaser Trailer

The directorial debut of Cal McMau, Wasteman, tells the incredible story of how a convict’s chances for early prison release come under threat from his ruthlessly violent new cellmate in this uncompromisingly brutal British thriller. The film had its world premiere at TIFF on September 6 and will premiere in the UK at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, as part of the Thrill Strand, on October 16, ahead of its release in UK cinemas.

After years in prison, in which time his son has grown up without him, Taylor’s parole is approaching. It’s bad timing, then, that new cellmate Dee ropes Taylor into violent inmate rivalries, endangering his fresh start. Cal McMau’s feature debut is an intense and claustrophobic portrait of a merciless prison eco-system, featuring standout performances from rising British stars David Jonsson and Tom Blyth.

Wasteman is in UK cinemas on 20th February 2026.