Wasteman
Jord’s right, Wasteman is a hidden gem. So hidden, that it’s not even an option in Vulture’s Movie Fantasy League. A tragedy! That’s independent film making for you. While it premiered at TIFF in fall of last year, it didn’t make it’s U.S. premiere until April of this year, meaning it entered the British Awards for last year, but Oscar eligibility for this coming season. Anyway, the film is brilliant. Intense, claustrophobic, and absolutely DRIPPING with acting excellence. David Jonsson is obviously bona fide, having recently been cast as the new Black Panther, but I was equally blown away by Tom Blyth. He is phenomenal. The phone POV footage and how it’s utilized in this really gave the film a unique flavor, and added to the claustrophobia perfectly. This is the director Cal McMau’s debut film, and in fact, he won Best Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards, so I’d definitely keep him on your radar. Must watch for 2026.
-Z on 9/27/26
Keeping the action very contained to only what was happening in the prison was a good choice here I think, but it also meant that I felt like I just didn’t have enough information about the main characters to be that invested. The acting was great, the tension was high, and the ending was pretty satisfying, but it just didn’t draw me in completely.
-E on 9/27/26
This is a hidden gem of the year. I think it premiered at Cannes, but I am not entirely sure. Overall, if you are looking for a film that is just acted incredibly with a story full of tension and curiosity, Wasteman is it. A prison drama where you are not sure where it’s going and how it will resolve. I loved it and think any cinema lover will too.
-J on 5/10/26
(Editor note: it premiered at TIFF.)
