Is Starred Up Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Starred Up is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 106 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Starred Up Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, Starred Up emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 19-year-old Eric, arrogant and ultra-violent, is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father. Unlike standard genre fare, Starred Up attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Starred Up features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack O'Connell . Supported by the likes of Ben Mendelsohn and Rupert Friend , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Starred Up (2014) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Starred Up Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Starred Up is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 19-year-old Eric, arrogant and ultra-violent, is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father. As his explosive temper quickly finds him enemies in both prison authorities and fellow inmates — and his already volatile relationship with his father is pushed past breaking point — Eric is approached by a volunteer psychotherapist, who runs an anger management group for prisoners. Torn between gang politics, prison corruption, and a glimmer of something better, Eric finds himself in a fight for his own life, unsure if his own father is there to protect him or join in punishing him. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Starred Up Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Starred Up resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Starred Up reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Starred Up?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Starred Up Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $54.9K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Starred Up
- Jack O'Connell – Eric Love
- Ben Mendelsohn – Neville Love
- Rupert Friend – Oliver Baumer
- David Ajala – Tyrone
- Peter Ferdinando – Spencer
Top Highlights
Jack O'ConnellEric Love
Ben MendelsohnNeville Love
Rupert FriendOliver Baumer
David AjalaTyrone
Peter FerdinandoSpencer
Gershwyn Eustache JnrDes
Anthony WelshHassan
David AveryAshley
Sian BreckinGovernor Cardew
Sam SpruellDeputy Governor Haynes
Where to Watch Starred Up Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Starred Up is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Starred Up stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starred Up movie hit or flop?
Starred Up is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Starred Up worth watching?
Yes, Starred Up is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Starred Up online?
Starred Up may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Starred Up
The latest British prison movie, which was partially based on the true story. The whole movie was shot inside a prison evolving into depicting the prison life. When a young, but a violent crime offender, Eric been transformed into an adult penitentiary, he meets his compeer. His strength will be tested against his counterparts who are two times older than him. The young fellow all prepared to face the most dangerous criminals from the country. Thus his restless days begin to fight for survival. He signs for therapy meet which is forced by his father who is also an inmate. Like all the father, the story describes his role as a protector. Definitely not a melodrama, but deliberately aggressive and he can do anything to defend his son. **''Starred up means you are leader.''** Impressive tricks by the felons who hide their weapons and other stuffs which can be useful for their defense. There is no exact story, scene by scene, it just replicates the real prison's daily activities and experiences that one can go through. It is not a greatest prison story ever told, but the contents were so powerful, like, as I said it was kind of inspired by a real person's. Jack O'Connell was unbelievably good in his role. He's having a wonderful time right now and I am eager for his next venture 'Unbroken'. The other characters were not that exposed as he was, but given equal good performances. I have not seen any prison related movie recently and this movie surprisingly met above my expectation. 7.5/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
