A Prayer Before Dawn trailer

A ‘brutal’ prison drama now streaming on Netflix is not for sensitive viewers.

The film A Prayer Before Dawn, which was originally released in 2018 is currently available on the streamer’s platform. It only had a limited and small theatrical release, resulting in less than $1 million at the box office, meaning it probably passed many audiences by.

Its story is inspired by the amazing true story of Billy Moore and based on his memoir that shares the same title. After getting into trouble because of drugs, a young British boxer is sent to one of the most notorious prisons in Thailand.

Thrown into a world of drugs and violence, he finds his best chance to escape is to fight his way out in Muay Thai tournaments. British actor Joe Cole takes on the role of Billy Moore.

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It stars Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole(Image: A24)

Cole is well known for playing the part of John Shelby across 20 episodes of Peaky Blinders. He also starred in an instalment of Black Mirror, for which he received a BAFTA nomination as well as Gangs of London and BBC miniseries Nightsleeper.

He is set to star in another biopic soon where he will portray Alexander McQueen in The Queen of Fashion. Despite A Prayer Before Dawn’s modest commercial performance, it was certainly a critical success.

It boasts an impressive 92% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. One critic claimed the film is “a punishing, uncompromising prison drama of the highest order…The level of authenticity achieved here is gut-punchingly raw.”

Another penned: “Part Rocky, part Midnight Express, and part Beau Travail, this adaptation of Billy Moore’s best-selling memoir about his three years in some of Thailand’s most infamous jails is a harshly immersive experience.”

They were not the only ones impressed with the prison sports drama, with many fans recommending it. However, some suggested that some may not be able to handle the representation of brutal prison violence. As one person said: “It’s shocking, graphic, claustrophobic, and strangely beautiful. The film is authentic and gritty, and the lack of subtitles allow you to understand Tommy’s struggles. It’s a great film but definitely not for a sensitive person.”

Another fan claimed: “Joe Cole gives a ferocious performance in this relentlessly intimidating crime/biopic based on an English boxer who gets incarcerated in Thailand’s most notorious prison. This is visceral and often unwatchable brutal stuff.

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It is streaming on Netflix now(Image: A24)

“At times watching it felt pretty much like getting a knife to the gut, especially in one unbearable scene that I don’t want to spoil, plus it’s a bit to graphic to explain. The director also opts for no subtitles, so unless you speak Thai, it instantly gives you a claustrophobic feeling, thus putting us right inside the prison house of Billy’s mind.

“Don’t let that deter you as there is dialogue, and what it lacks in, Joe Cole makes up for with a sensational display as he captures his character’s relentless aggression and the cunning he needs to survive whilst also showing us Billy’s humanity and very occasional moments of vulnerability. It was 100% method-style madness, so kudos to Joe Cole for a performance I really can’t commend enough.

“The fight scenes were well shot and included some awesome knockouts that seemed completely real, especially the first fight he has in prison, wow! The tattoo-covered convicts are terryfying and all sensational supporting actors.”

While someone else commented: “A true masterpiece. This film is so raw and dark that you will remember this movie for long. A must watch.”