Ashley Walters' directorial debut, 'Animol', has garnered significant acclaim following its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, where it was praised for its authentic portrayal of life in a juvenile detention center. The film tells the story of Troy, a 15-year-old navigating the harsh realities of incarceration, and his bond with fellow inmate Krystian. Critics have highlighted the film's exploration of vulnerability among young offenders, with Walters stating, "We've got to remember they're kids... they're babies." He draws on his own experiences, having spent time in a young offenders' institution himself, which informs his understanding of the characters' struggles. Walters emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding young offenders, asserting that "these so-called animals that we talk about are babies" just trying to survive in a challenging environment. The film's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with The Guardian describing it as a "gritty young offenders drama that challenges conventional machismo."