Screwed (2011)

Screwed Poster

The film is a semi-biographical story based on the experiences of former prison guard Ronnie Thompson who spent seven years working in some of the UK's most dangerous prisons. Based on Thompson's book of the same name, the project stars James D'Arcy (Master & Commander), Noel Clarke (Kidulthood), Frank Harper (The Football Factory), Jamie Foreman (Layer Cake), Andrew Shim (This Is England) and Kate Magowan (Stardust). The story revolves around former soldier Sam Norwood who takes a job as a prison officer when he returns from Iraq and becomes exposed to the underworld of prison culture - including corrupt guards and drug trafficking.

Overview
"Screwed" is a British police procedural movie released in 2011 and directed by Reg Traviss. The plot of the movie is based upon the semi-autobiographical novel of the exact same name, written by Ronnie Thompson, a previous jail officer. The starring cast includes James D'Arcy playing lead character Sam Norwood, Noel Clarke, Frank Harper, and Kate Magowan.

Plot
James D'Arcy's character, Sam Norwood, is a previous British soldier who served in Iraq who, upon returning house, discovers difficultly reintegrating into civilian life. To make ends fulfill, he uses up work as a jail officer - a relocation that plunges him into a different type of battlefield laden with corruption, violence, and a hell-on-earth environment, far different from the situation he was expecting.

As he tries to adjust to his new function as a jail officer, Sam is exposed to the harsh realities and brutalities of life behind bars. He quickly understands that not all fights are fought on the battleground, as he should handle a highly corrupt system, violence from prisoners, drug abuse, and a damaged judicial system.

Complex Relationships and Escalation
Sam finds a confidant in a Haitian detainee, Truman played by Noel Clarke, who seems to understand Sam's battles and provides an unique point of view on jail life. All at once, Sam's relationship with his spouse, Danielle (Kate Magowan), pressures due to the tension of his task and the treacherous environment he works in.

The plot thickens when an event including a solidified criminal Rizza (Frank Harper) forces Sam and his associates into a morally gray circumstance. Their choice leads them down a painful path of deceptiveness and violence, unwinding a variety of occasions that puts Sam's concepts and loyalty under severe analysis. The main theme revolves around Sam's struggle to remain on the exemplary yet challenging course amidst the temptation of corruption and the fear of violence.

Climax and Resolution
The dispute reaches a climax when the corruption and violence reach a tipping point. Sam finds himself at the center of a significant prison riot. Further betrayal from his colleagues and the increasing pressure of preserving his integrity leave Sam facing important, game-changing choices. Through this turmoil, Sam should find a method to survive, safeguard the innocent, and expose the corruption without falling prey to the growing darkness around him.

Conclusion
"Screwed" is a gritty, practical representation of life behind bars and the corrupt prison system that constructs ruthlessly around Sam's journey. The film explores the visible stress in between police and those who they imprison, balancing clearly ruthless scenes with intense emotional drama. It raises concerns about morality, loyalty, and the struggle for survival in tough environments, combined with significant social commentary around the struggles dealt with by war veterans when reintegrating into society.

Top Cast

  • James D'Arcy (small)
    James D'Arcy
    Sam
  • Noel Clarke (small)
    Noel Clarke
    Truman
  • Frank Harper (small)
    Frank Harper
    Deano
  • Kate Magowan (small)
    Kate Magowan
    Danielle
  • Jamie Foreman (small)
    Jamie Foreman
    Rumpole
  • Doug Allen (small)
    Doug Allen
    Steadman
  • Ray Panthaki (small)
    Ray Panthaki
    Neil
  • Andrew Shim (small)
    Andrew Shim
    Jamie