It's disappointing when potential is squandered, especially when there's an opening to contribute meaningfully to British cinema like the impact made by Alan Clarke’s *Scum*. *Screwed* seemed poised to do just that. The foundation was solid: adapted from the autobiography of Ronnie Thompson—a former soldier who became a prison officer and encountered his own battles within those walls—and brought to life by Noel Clarke, Frankie Harper, and James D’Arcy. Unfortunately, what plays out is a predictable collection of familiar tropes. Initially, there's hope that the film might explore the challenges faced by veterans returning from service and offer some sharp commentary on the British prison system and its flaws. However, this promise isn't fulfilled; instead, the movie leans into exaggerated machismo, making one question how much is actually rooted in reality. It also bears a striking resemblance to Phil Davis’s 1995 film *i.d.*, where an undercover officer immersed himself in a world of violence—a scenario mirrored here with a prison guard adopting similar tactics. Even a particular sex scene appears lifted directly from Davis's movie. Without having read Thompson’s memoir, “Screwed: The Truth About Life As A Prison Officer”—something I plan to remedy soon—I can’t speak to the accuracy of this adaptation. Nevertheless, the film feels hollow, as if it’s adhering to a formula dictated by media portrayals of prisons, reinforcing exaggerated beliefs about what happens inside. Only Thompson truly knows the authenticity of his experiences and how faithfully they've been portrayed on screen; regardless, *Screwed* ultimately feels like a tired rehash. 5/10

Source on TMDB