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Crime thriller

Wasteman (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Wasteman (2026) movie poster

Wasteman is a 2026 crime thriller directed by Cal McMau, starring David Jonsson as Taylor, Tom Blyth and Alex Hassell. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $1.2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$1.2M
Echo Score
74
Metascore
76
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Wasteman (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Cal McMau
Genres
Crime , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wasteman About?

The premise of Wasteman without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Parolee Taylor hopes to rebuild his life, but his plans are disrupted when cellmate Dee arrives. Dee quickly takes Taylor under his wing, forming a fragile partnership. When a brutal attack strikes the prison, their bond is tested, forcing Taylor to decide whether to risk his parole prospects to protect Dee or abandon him for his own future.

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Cast & crew

Wasteman Cast & Characters

David Jonsson leads the cast as Taylor, with Tom Blyth as Dee and Alex Hassell as Paul. Directed by Cal McMau; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wasteman

· 16 more
Ratings

Wasteman Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Wasteman 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

74 /100

Wasteman Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Wasteman delivers a compelling portrait of prison life through strong performances and a focused visual style, but its narrative consistency is uneven. The film benefits from an urgent direction that sustains tension, while moments of chaotic editing interrupt clarity. Audience reactions highlight the emotional pull of the actors and the film’s ability to linger after a viewing, yet some find the story overly straightforward. Consequently, the movie offers a solid, if imperfect, experience that rewards multiple viewings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 68

    In terms of direction and editing, the film exhibits an urgent, energetic approach that keeps the pacing brisk, yet several sequences suffer from chaotic camera work and rapid cuts that obscure action. The cinematography and production design convey a bleak prison atmosphere. Overall, the craft is lively but uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When evaluating performance and emotional resonance, both leads deliver fierce, convincing portrayals that articulate trauma and rivalry without overt moralizing. Supporting actors contribute nuanced depth, enhancing the film’s tension. Although a few character motivations appear underdeveloped, the overall acting strength anchors the narrative. The result is a compelling emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 72

    The plot follows a prison feud that mirrors broader systemic failures, offering moments of originality amid familiar genre tropes. Pacing remains taut for much of the runtime, yet the narrative occasionally simplifies conflict, reducing complexity. Engagement is sustained by thematic provocation, though the story’s linearity limits deeper exploration.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    The sound design and score accentuate tension, using low‑frequency drones and abrupt impacts that heighten dread. Visual styling employs a muted color palette and confined framing to reinforce the claustrophobic setting. While occasional chaotic editing disrupts clarity, the overall sensory texture remains immersive.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    The film’s strong performances and sustained tension give it replay appeal, encouraging viewers to revisit subtle character dynamics. Its thematic relevance and unpredictable finale add lasting interest. However, the occasional narrative simplicity and uneven editing may diminish repeated enjoyment for some audiences. Overall, the rewatch factor is solid.

Plot

Wasteman Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Wasteman from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Taylor, David Jonsson, a prison cook who has spent 13 years behind bars, learns he may be eligible for early release if he maintains good behaviour. He regularly cuts hair for Gaz, Corin Silva, and Paul, Alex Hassell, from whom he buys drugs to fuel his addiction, and he manages to establish contact with his now 14-year-old, estranged son, Adam, Cole Martin.

Full summary

The whole story of Wasteman, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Wasteman Box Office

Wasteman grossed $1.2 million worldwide. $19,322 came from the US and Canada and $1.2 million (98%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2M

US & Canada
$19.3K
International
$1.2M
US & Canada 2% Rest of the world 98%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Wasteman?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor plays the lead role of Taylor?

Seen Wasteman?

FAQ

Wasteman FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Wasteman, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Wasteman?

Wasteman runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Wasteman released?

Wasteman was released on April 17, 2026.

Who directed Wasteman?

Wasteman was directed by Cal McMau.

Who is in the cast of Wasteman?

Wasteman stars David Jonsson as Taylor, Tom Blyth as Dee and Alex Hassell as Paul, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Wasteman make at the box office?

Wasteman grossed $1.2 million worldwide ($19,322 domestic, $1.2 million international).

How is Wasteman rated?

Wasteman has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic.

Does Wasteman have a post-credit scene?

No. Wasteman has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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