Ashley Walters Explores Gay Love Behind Bars in New Film Animol

Ashley Walters makes his feature-film directing debut this week with Animol, a British drama exploring friendship, violence, masculinity and gay love inside a young offenders' institution.

The film arrives in UK cinemas on Friday 30 October and stars Tut Nyuot, Vladyslav Baliuk and Sekou Diaby, alongside Stephen Graham and Sharon Duncan-Brewster.

A Young Man Caught Between Two Relationships

Animol follows Troy, a teenager who enters a young offenders' institution and quickly discovers that surviving inside means understanding the people around him.

Two fellow inmates become particularly important to his experience. Dion, played by Sekou Diaby, is a dominant figure within the institution, while Krystiyan, played by Vladyslav Baliuk, offers a very different connection.

As Troy navigates the competing pressures of loyalty, intimidation and friendship, his developing feelings for Krystiyan introduce another dimension to the story.

The relationship unfolds in an environment where vulnerability can be dangerous and expectations about masculinity influence how the young men behave towards one another.

Rather than presenting the institution solely through violence, the film also explores affection, identity and the emotional connections that develop between people living under difficult circumstances.

Ashley Walters Moves Behind the Camera

Walters is best known for playing Dushane in Top Boy, alongside roles in Bulletproof and Adolescence.

Although he has previous directing experience, Animol marks his first feature film behind the camera, working from a screenplay by Nick Love.

The production draws on Walters' own experiences of imprisonment while telling a fictional story about young men dealing with fear, identity and the consequences of their choices.

Stephen Graham plays Claypole, with Sharon Duncan-Brewster also appearing in the supporting cast.

The film was selected for the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival and has subsequently screened at the BFI London Film Festival.

Where to Watch Animol

Animol opens in UK cinemas on Friday 30 October 2026, with StudioCanal handling its UK theatrical release.

The film is also planned for Sky Cinema following its theatrical run, although a streaming release date has not been confirmed.