Waiting for the Out is far quieter in tone than Netflix’s Adolescence, although it tackles similar themes of male anger and violence. The boy in the story is seen in flashback as the main character, Dan (played by Josh Finan), struggles with memories of growing up in the frightening shadow of his volatile, aggressive father. Kelly shows Dan trying to do something useful in the world, by supporting prisoners to think, while confronting his own buried demons at the same time – and becoming thoroughly confused in the process.