“A must watch.”
There have been some truly remarkable films that were set in prisons.
The sheer mention of the words ‘prison drama’ instantly brings back memories of films like The Shawshank Redemption, A Prophet, The Great Escape, Cool Hand Luke, The Green Mile, Midnight Express, In the Name of the Father etc, but very few films in this genre focused on the devastating impact that drugs continue to have on people’s lives.
As stated previously, Frank Berry’s wonderful drama Michael Inside stands out from the crowd because it depicts the horrific truth that drugs can end lives, destroy futures, and rip families apart.
To the director’s immense credit, Berry consulted with Pathways Centre before going into production on the film.
In case you’re not aware, Pathways are an outreach initiative that aims to facilitate the re-integration of former prisoners through a variety of approaches like; guidance counselling, social and peer support work, personal/addiction counselling, and various educational programmes.
The centre offers respite to former prisoners in the crucial period after release by providing information, education, counselling, support and referral in a safe and understanding environment.
That’s one of the main reasons why Michael Inside feels so authentic and raw.
With regards to the plot, the film follows an 18-year-old that’s living in a Dublin housing estate with his grandfather. After being caught holding drugs for his friend’s older brother, Michael is sentenced to three months in prison.
After being thrown in jail, Michael has to toughen up becasue he’s instantly bullied and attacked. Ultimately, an older inmate takes him under his wing but can Michael turn his life around?
Another reason why the film is so powerful is due to the incredible performances.
Dafhyd Flynn plays the titular character with a silent and steely resolve that’s beyond his years. This being said, the audience never loses sight of the fact that he’s just a teenager.
Elsewhere, Moe Dunford’s performance as the volatile, violent, yet protective David, definitely confirms his status as one of Ireland’s finest actors today. After completing his work on Michael inside, Dunford then put in another brilliant performance in Rosie.
At the time of its release, JOE’s Rory Cashin hailed Berry’s film as”one of the best Irish films of this generation” and since being added to Netflix, plenty of people have been extremely impressed by what they’ve seen.
Be warned though, Michael Inside isn’t an easy film to watch but it’s definitely a rewarding one.
Really happy that Netflix is showing Michael Inside. An honest, truthful portrayal of Irish prison life and the knock on effect for families and society @CityofDublinETB @frankberryirl @PathwaysP
— Pathways Centre (@PathwaysP) January 22, 2019
Michael Inside. Great Irish film on Netflix. Watch it! https://t.co/Gb4rUcrUnd
— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) January 21, 2019
MICHAEL INSIDE is now on Netflix – for those who’ve been lookin to see it . Proud to be part of it @dafhyd_flynn https://t.co/UcikTgklw8
— Moe Dunford (@MoeDunford) January 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/ClaraWhiteActor/status/1087421464557563905
@frankberryirl just watched #michaelInside on Netflix. The hype was real.
— Frank Bourke He/him (@frankybourke) January 20, 2019
#MichaelInside is now on @netflix – it’s a must watch. Blown away by some of the realism shown. One of the best Irish drama’s I have ever watched.
— Ebhin (@TheRealEbhin) January 21, 2019
.@frankberryirl's #MichaelInside is now on @NetflixUK and it's astounding audiences. 👏 #IrishFilm https://t.co/dvY2fvQn0c
— Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) January 21, 2019
Just watched the movie Michael Inside on Netflix & Woah does that movie hit home so much. Definitely a serious look at the dark realities of the Drug trade & justice system in Ireland. They need to show it to teens in school here. Worth a watch but it is very Dark & Depressing.
— 💫🌜Lunar 🌜💫 (@MissLunarmagick) January 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/karlnando/status/1087112127331135488
https://twitter.com/laynadolan1/status/1087394681674174466
This is a stunner. #MichaelInside. https://t.co/7ywMfutB7l
— Lauren Mackenzie (@LuluMack57) January 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/jonblackhall/status/1087495400674729985
https://twitter.com/kirby_bronwyn/status/1087449467123572738
Here’s a look at what’s in store.
Clip via WildCard Distribution
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