The recently released prison drama Wasteman, filmed inside a Somerset prison, has quickly become a standout title on Netflix. Since its addition to the platform, it has risen to become the most watched film among UK users, with both critics and viewers describing it as a must-watch.
Wasteman arrived on Netflix just months after its limited cinema release, during which some dedicated moviegoers reported seeing it multiple times. The film centres on Taylor, whose hopes for a fresh start are jeopardised by the arrival of his cellmate, Dee. As Dee takes Taylor under his wing, a brutal attack tests their relationship, forcing Taylor to decide between protecting Dee and safeguarding his own chances of parole.
The production, completed in 2024, predominantly took place at Shepton Mallet Prison. The cast, including David Jonsson of The Long Walk and The Hunger Games star Tom Blyth, have emphasised how filming within the confines of a genuine former jail contributed to creating a more authentic atmosphere.
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Jonsson reflected on the setting, telling the BBC earlier this year: “The film that we wanted to make wasn’t a Hollywood version. We felt like we wanted it to feel really true and real.” Blyth added, “Anytime you get to go to a really authentic set, it’s like putting on a good costume. It just adds to that feeling of your imagination being immersed.”
Shepton Mallet Prison, once a working correctional facility, has since been transformed into a tourist attraction. Viewers familiar with Somerset may recognise many of the film’s backdrops, which include the Victorian B Wing, individual cells, recreation areas, and the exercise yard.
According to a post on the Shepton Mallet Prison website, the production collaborated closely with former inmates through the UK charity Switchback to ensure that the depiction of prison life remained ‘raw, honest, and authentic.’ The film has evidently made a strong impression on audiences.
One viewer shared, “Really enjoyed this. It was intense from the start and genuinely unpredictable, which kept me hooked the whole way through. The acting was strong and the tension felt real. I just wish it had been longer because it flew by.”
Another described the film as “gripping, tense and, at times, an uncomfortable watch.” A further comment noted, “Wasteman is sometimes suffocating… as it explores the strain of an overcrowded prison, but locks you in with its constant sense of dread and looming chaos around every corner. Jonsson and Blyth push the film over the edge of greatness.”
Wasteman is currently streaming on Netflix.