A harrowing prison drama currently available on Netflix is certainly not suited to the faint-hearted.

A Prayer Before Dawn, which first hit screens in 2018, can now be found on the streaming service.

Following a limited cinema run that generated under $1 million at the box office, the film likely escaped many viewers’ attention.

The narrative draws from the amazing true story of Billy Moore’s extraordinary real-life experiences, adapted from his autobiography of the same name.

A young British boxer finds himself imprisoned in one of Thailand’s most infamous jails after falling foul of drug-related charges.

Plunged into a brutal environment rife with narcotics and brutality, his most viable route to freedom lies in competing in Muay Thai competitions. British actor Joe Cole portrays Billy Moore in the leading role.

Cole gained recognition for his portrayal of John Shelby throughout 20 episodes of Peaky Blinders. His credits also include a Black Mirror episode that earned him a BAFTA nomination, alongside appearances in Gangs of London and the BBC miniseries Nightsleeper, reports the Mirror.

He is due to take on another biographical role, playing Alexander McQueen in The Queen of Fashion. Whilst A Prayer Before Dawn achieved modest box office returns, it garnered significant critical acclaim.

The film holds an outstanding 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer described it as “a punishing, uncompromising prison drama of the highest order…The level of authenticity achieved here is gut-punchingly raw.”

Another wrote: “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 weren’t alone in their praise for the prison sports drama, with numerous fans recommending it. However, some warned that certain viewers may struggle with the depiction of savage 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 declared: “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.

“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.”

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

A Prayer Before Dawn is streaming on Netflix. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.