Animol

Animol is a no-holds-barred portrayal of life and within the confines of a Young Offenders’ Institution.

Charged with conspiracy to commit murder and held on remand, young teen Troy finds himself behind bars and struggling to adapt to his new world.

Paired in a cell with violent thug Mason, and soon living under the rule of drug dealer Dion, Troy soon realises it’s a place where you need to fit in and keep your head low in order to survive.

As Troy adjusts to life within the prison system, he forms a close bond with Polish inmate Krystian, and amid the cruelty around them, they learn to rely on each other as they navigate the social hierarchy.

But that’s easier said than done when they’re being pulled in different directions and when faced with a demanding inmate eager to assert his power, their limits are tested.

Amid their new harsh reality, Welfare Officer Claypole tries his best to break through to the boys he’s tasked with looking over, and Troy’s recovering addict mother Joy tries to reconnect with her son.

In a raw and poignant coming-of-age story, Animol highlights the power of humanity in the midst of adversity.

Written by Nick Love, the film marks the directorial debut of actor Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Adolescence).

Technically, Animol is not a true story, although it was partially based on the real experiences of both writer Nick Love and director Ashley Walters.

Speaking ahead of production, Walters has said: “Nick and I have worked together before and always wanted to create something bold—something that sparks conversation while delivering visual beauty.

“Animol is deeply personal to me. It explores the struggle of being your authentic self in a world that often pressures you to conform—one of life’s greatest challenges.

“At its heart, this is a story about survival and the safety found in true connection. It’s not about the ‘what’; it’s about the ‘why.’”

Ahead of the film’s release, he added to Variety: “Where it connects is that I did go to a young offenders institute as a kid — that’s where me and Nick connected on the story. But Nick wrote it and these are some of his real experiences.

“But it meant a lot for me to make this film, because I’ve grown up knowing that in the Black community there is a lot of homophobia. But it was only until I got into acting that I got to know the queer community and had to change some of the views I’ve been brought up with.

“This film is powerful for many reasons, but an important one for me is challenging taboo subjects and making people have conversations.”

Animol was developed by Film4 in collaboration with Joi Productions. Sky is collaborating with Film4 for the first time as co-financiers on the project, with the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding) also financing. Bankside Films are handling international sales for the film.

The film is also working with the Synergy Theatre Project and Intermission Youth Theatre, to give opportunities as supporting artists to those considered of potential risk of entering the criminal justice system themselves.

The announced cast of Animol includes:

• Newcomer Tut Nyuot as Troy

• Newcomer Vladyslav Baliuk as Krystian

• Stephen Graham (Boiling Point, Adolescence) as Claypole

• Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Dune: Part One, Sex Education) as Joy

• *Ryan Dean (*Ackley Bridge, Penny on M.A.R.S) as Mason
  
  

Other cast members are:

• Sekou Diaby (My Fault, Boarders) as Dion

• Newcomer Daniel Abiola-Jacobs as Jolian

• Tareq Al-Jeddal (Ridley, Maternal) as Omar

• Richie Bratby (The Suspect) as Davies

Animol premiered in February 2026 at the annual Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, and was awarded Best Film by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).

Prior to the movie’s nationwide release, it was also screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October.

Hollywood Reporter noted the film “has power, ferocity, almost unbearable tension and a vein of tenderness” in their review.

Digital Spy gave Animol a five-star review, writing: “this movie isn't afraid to open up and interrogate the limits of masculinity at its most violent, suggesting ways to redefine it even in a place of ‘madness" as cruel as this one.’

Time Out added: “This brilliant British film cares deeply about making us care for Troy and Krystian, carrying Animol to an intriguingly queer place thrumming with pent-up promise.”

MovieMarker wrote in their review: “Animol is a brilliantly powerful debut feature from the British director, and a standout achievement from its cast and crew – one that should make a strong impact when it eventually reaches UK cinemas.”

Animol will be released in UK cinemas from 30 October, and will air on Sky Cinema at a later date.