Screwed review

Reg Traviss’ reactionary prison drama doesn't add much to the argument of what to do with our inmates

Why you can trust 12DOVE Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

For British squaddie turned prison guard Sam Norwood (James D’Arcy), policing the wings at fictional HMP Romwell is a case of “same shit, different uniform”.

But with only one officer for every 35 cons, it’s no surprise when things kick off in a thriller which begins promisingly before descending into a slough of old lag clichés.

The central argument in Reg Traviss’ overcooked drama is that our jails are so full of scum we need corrupt headcases to control them.

The reactionary result should please Daily Mail readers, if not fans of credible characters and non-risible plotting.

Freelance Writer

Neil Smith is a freelance film critic who has written for several publications, including Total Film. His bylines can be found at the BBC, Film 4 Independent, Uncut Magazine, SFX, Heat Magazine, Popcorn, and more.