From the moment he arrives at a young offender institution, Troy is tested at every turn, paired with a volatile cellmate and forced to navigate daily threats and shifting power struggles within a brutal, unforgiving world of gangs and loyalty. When an unspoken bond gradually develops between Troy and a fellow inmate, it opens up difficult questions of identity, masculinity and shame that the youth justice system around them was never built to address, in actor Ashley Walters's feature directorial debut, exploring the trauma and humanity behind Britain's youth prison population.
Review:
A tough but tender feature debut that resists easy demonisation of the young men it depicts, weaving queerness, masculinity and shame into a gritty coming-of-age drama with genuine empathy and unexpected warmth.
