Is Screwed Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Screwed is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Screwed Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, Screwed emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Screwed attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Reg Traviss, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Crime elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Screwed features a noteworthy lineup led by James D'Arcy. Supported by the likes of Noel Clarke and Frank Harper, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of James D'Arcy, Noel Clarke, Frank Harper manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2011 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Crime, Action space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Screwed is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Screwed follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 110 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Screwed resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Crime landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.1/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Screwed is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. 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.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Screwed (2011) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.1/10 and strong performance metrics in the Crime, Action categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from James D'Arcy, Noel Clarke, Frank Harper or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Screwed is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2011. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Screwed Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Screwed Budget
The estimated production budget for Screwed is $3. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Screwed Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Screwed has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime, Action), viewers should expect violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Screwed stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screwed movie hit or flop?
Screwed has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Screwed worth watching?
Screwed is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Screwed online?
Screwed may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
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.