Scrubbers

A startling and uncompromising portrait of life behind bars at a borstal for young women.

  • Director

    Mai Zetterling

  • With

    Amanda York, Chrissie Cotterill, Elizabeth Edmonds, Kathy Burke

  • UK 1981. 93min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    15

Zetterling’s borstal drama pulls no punches in its portrayal of a group of troubled young women who laugh, fight and fall in love within prison walls. The claustrophobia is tangible while the raw female energy erupts as constant noise, violence and frenetic dancing. Zetterling’s meticulous work with the cast really shows in the performances, making for a powerfully affecting film.

The screening of Scrubbers on Tuesday 27 May 18:00 NFT2 will be introduced by producer Don Boyd.

Also available on BFI Player