Image courtesy of TMDB
How to Watch Detachment in the United Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Watch Detachment in the United Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide

Anthony Penner
Anthony Penner
May 05, 2023

Detachment is a gripping American drama film that you won't want to miss. Directed by Tony Kaye and starring Adrien Brody, Christina Hendricks, and Bryan Cranston, this movie tells the story of Henry Barthes, a high-school substitute teacher who becomes a role model to his students and others. Along the way, he meets three women who have a profound effect on his life. The film was released in 2012 and has received mixed reviews, but it's definitely worth watching if you're a fan of drama and great storytelling.

In this article, we'll be reviewing all the ways you can stream Detachment in the United Kingdom. Whether you're a fan of Netflix, Amazon Prime, or any other streaming service, we'll show you how you can watch this movie from the comfort of your own home. We'll also be talking about how you can use ExpressVPN to access the movie on different platforms, so stay tuned.

If you're looking for a movie with a lot of action and explosions, Detachment might not be for you. But if you're interested in exploring complex characters and the human condition, you'll definitely want to give this movie a chance. The film delves into important themes like mental health, education, and the ways in which we connect with one another. With an all-star cast and a compelling plot, Detachment is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Image courtesy of TMDB

Where to Stream Detachment in United Kingdom

If you're looking to stream Detachment in United Kingdom, there are a few different options available to you. Currently, the movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Virgin TV Go. If you have a subscription to either of these services, you can simply open up your streaming app and start watching right now.

  • Amazon Prime
  • Virgin TV Go

However, if you don't have a subscription to either of these services, don't worry. There are still ways you can watch Detachment using your existing streaming subscriptions. Keep reading to learn more.

Unlock Detachment with ExpressVPN

Unfortunately, Detachment is not available to stream in United Kingdom on any other services than Amazon Prime and Virgin TV Go. However, if you have a streaming service that offers the movie/show in another country, you can use ExpressVPN to unlock it and start streaming right away.

  • No streaming options that can be unlocked

For example, if you have a Netflix account in the United States, you can use ExpressVPN to switch your virtual location to the US. Once you've done that, you can log in to your Netflix account and start streaming Detachment as if you were in the United States.

The same goes for other streaming services that may have the movie/show available in different countries. With ExpressVPN, you can easily switch between virtual locations and unlock all the content you want to watch, no matter where you are.

If you don't have an existing subscription to a streaming service, you can also use ExpressVPN to sign up for a service in a country where Detachment is available. For example, if you sign up for Amazon Prime in the United States using ExpressVPN, you can start streaming Detachment right away.

So why wait? Sign up for ExpressVPN today and start streaming Detachment and other great movies and shows from around the world.

How to watch Detachment on Netflix in United Kingdom today

Sign up for ExpressVPN and watch Detachment on Netflix in United Kingdom in 3 quick steps

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Step 1

Download the ExpressVPN app from the app store and create an account.

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Step 2

Connect to an ExpressVPN server in

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Step 3

Open your Netflix app on your device and enjoy your show!

Rent or Buy Detachment

If you're unable to stream Detachment on any of the services we've mentioned so far, you can always rent or buy the movie from a digital retailer. Currently, the movie is available to rent or buy on Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime Video in United Kingdom.

  • Apple iTunes
  • Amazon Prime Video

Renting or buying the movie is a great option if you want to watch it on your own time, without having to worry about streaming issues or buffering. Plus, you can watch the movie as many times as you want during your rental period.

So if you're really eager to see Detachment, renting or buying it from one of these digital retailers is a great way to do it. Simply choose the retailer you prefer, rent or buy the movie, and start watching right away.

Plot Summary of Detachment

Detachment is a thought-provoking drama about the struggles of high school students, teachers, and administrators. The story takes place over the course of one month and is seen through the eyes of substitute teacher Henry Barthes (Adrien Brody). He has a unique and effective teaching style that involves getting to know his students on a personal level. However, his method of imparting knowledge is interrupted by the arrival of three women in his life—a damaged and naive sex worker, Erica (Sami Gayle), a fellow teacher, Sarah (Christina Hendricks), and a troubled teen named Meredith (Betty Kaye). Each of these women has a profound effect on Barthes' life, and he must come to terms with his own past and present in order to move forward.

The film also touches on the struggles of the school's staff, including the counselor Dr. Parker (Lucy Liu) and the principal, Carol Dearden (Marcia Gay Harden). Dr. Parker is frustrated by the lack of ambition and motivation she sees in her students, while Principal Dearden is facing the possibility of losing her job. Throughout the movie, Barthes tries to help everyone he can, but as the pressures of his own life mount, he struggles to keep himself together.

Detachment is a poignant and emotional film that tackles difficult themes such as suicide, abuse, and the flaws in the education system. The movie is punctuated with flashbacks of Barthes' young childhood and his mother's suicide, providing insight into his current struggles. The story builds to a powerful and moving conclusion that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Ready to watch Detachment now?

It's really simple! Here's what you do:

  1. Head to ExpressVPN and sign-up
  2. Download the app to your phone, TV, tablet, or computer (or all of them)
  3. Select the country you want in the app
  4. Open Netflix as usual and watch!

It really is that quick!

The Making of Detachment

Detachment was directed by Tony Kaye, who is known for his unconventional approach to filmmaking. Kaye is a British director who got his start in music videos before transitioning to feature films. He is best known for his controversial and critically acclaimed film American History X, which starred Edward Norton.

The screenplay for Detachment was written by Carl Lund, who drew on his experiences as a substitute teacher to create a realistic and powerful portrayal of life in a struggling high school. The film's cast features an impressive line-up of talented actors, including Adrien Brody, Marcia Gay Harden, Christina Hendricks, William Petersen, Bryan Cranston, Tim Blake Nelson, Betty Kaye, Sami Gayle, Lucy Liu, Blythe Danner, and James Caan.

The film was produced by a team of experienced and passionate professionals, including Greg Shapiro, Carl Lund, Bingo Gubelmann, Austin Stark, Benji Kohn, and Chris Papavasiliou. They worked together to bring Lund's screenplay to life, creating a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles important issues facing students and educators today.

Detachment was released to mixed reviews in March 2012, but it has since gained a following among fans of independent cinema. The film's unconventional storytelling and powerful performances have earned it a place among the most memorable films of the last decade. Despite its mixed critical reception, Detachment remains a favorite of many viewers who appreciate its honest and raw portrayal of life in a high school.

Cast of Detachment

Adrien Brody as Henry Barthes: Brody plays the lead character in the film, a substitute teacher with a troubled past who struggles to connect with his students and colleagues. Brody is an Academy Award-winning actor who has appeared in a wide range of films, including The Pianist, King Kong, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Marcia Gay Harden as Principal Carol Dearden: Harden plays the principal of the high school where Henry Barthes works. She is a strong-willed and determined leader who is facing the possibility of losing her job. Harden is an Academy Award-winning actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Mystic River, Pollock, and The Newsroom.

Christina Hendricks as Sarah Madison: Hendricks plays a fellow teacher at the school who befriends Henry Barthes. She is passionate about teaching and cares deeply about her students. Hendricks is best known for her role as Joan Harris on the television series Mad Men, and has also appeared in films such as Drive and The Neon Demon.

Lucy Liu as Dr. Doris Parker: Liu plays the school counselor who is frustrated by the lack of motivation she sees in her students. Liu is an actress and producer who has appeared in films such as Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, and Elementary.

Betty Kaye as Meredith: Kaye plays a troubled student who forms a bond with Henry Barthes. She is dealing with a range of personal issues, including a difficult home life. Detachment is Kaye's only film credit to date.

Image courtesy of TMDB

Detached but Not Disconnected: A 3-star Review of Tony Kaye's Drama

As a substitute teacher, Henry Barthes (Adrien Brody) floats into different classrooms, schools, and lives, but his detachment is not just a choice; it's a necessity. Through a month-long assignment at a struggling high school, he meets students, colleagues, and outsiders who challenge his emotional armor. Detachment follows a non-linear narrative, shifting between Barthes' present and past, and using different techniques (such as voice-over, split screens, and black-and-white footage) to convey his inner turmoil and memories.

While Detachment's ambition and performances are commendable, the film suffers from uneven pacing, heavy-handed metaphors, and a lack of focus. It tries to tackle too many issues (such as education reform, mental health, domestic abuse, prostitution, and suicide) without fully developing them or connecting them to a coherent thesis. The film also relies on cliches and stereotypes (such as the troubled teen who finds solace in the wise white man) that feel dated and borderline offensive.

That being said, the cast elevates the material with their raw and nuanced portrayals. Adrien Brody, in particular, captures the contradictions and complexities of Barthes' character, balancing his cynicism with his compassion, his trauma with his hope. Marcia Gay Harden, Christina Hendricks, and Lucy Liu also shine in their respective roles, bringing depth and empathy to characters that could have been one-dimensional.

In conclusion, Detachment is a flawed but interesting film that deserves credit for tackling difficult topics and showcasing talented actors. While it may not fully succeed in its execution or message, it can still provide food for thought and emotional resonance for some viewers.

If you want to watch Detachment and other movies that may not be available in your country, consider signing up for ExpressVPN and unlocking Netflix libraries from around the world. With fast and secure servers, you can enjoy high-quality streaming without buffering or restrictions. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

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