Starred Up

  • 2014
  • R
  • 106m
movieMx RATING
7.1
1K
VERDICT
HIT
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Starred Up Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 17, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 17, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Starred Up

MovieStarred Up
Release Year2014
DirectorDavid Mackenzie
GenreDrama
Runtime106 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Starred Up (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Starred Up are led by Jack O'Connell . The supporting cast, including Ben Mendelsohn and Rupert Friend , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Starred Up (2014) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 7.1/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Starred Up stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Drama narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Starred Up has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Starred Up

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, Starred Up is a Drama film directed by David Mackenzie. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jack O'Connell.

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 Jack O'Connell's journey, 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. Jack O'Connell's 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 core themes.

Ending Explained: Starred Up

Starred Up Ending Explained: Directed by David Mackenzie, Starred Up resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.

The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Jack O'Connell. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
  • Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Starred Up reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Starred Up?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jack O'Connell or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Starred Up

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $54.9K
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT
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Top Cast: Starred Up

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Where to Watch Starred Up Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Starred Up Parents Guide & Age Rating

2014 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Starred Up age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Starred Up is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Starred Up is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Starred Up is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Starred Up. Rating: 7.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starred Up worth watching?

Starred Up is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Starred Up parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Starred Up identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Starred Up?

The total duration of Starred Up is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.

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How Starred Up Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Starred Up

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
Starred Up
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/starred-up-209276" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Starred Up</div></div></a>

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