A true recollection of what it takes to break out of a South African prison — and what it really means to stay free.
Based on the real-life prison break of Tim Jenkin, this film goes deep into the plan of action. I’m sure there were a few liberties taken to keep us clenching the couch cushions — but honestly, if they didn’t sprinkle in that extra tension, would it have been half as good?
Daniel Radcliffe steps into the role of Tim, the mastermind behind the entire escape. And while the film makes it feel like he’s the only brain cell in the group — if you zoom out, you’ll see everyone played their part. Sure, Tim’s the one carving keys out of wood like some sort of prison MacGyver — but without Stephen (Daniel Webber) and Leonard (Mark Leonard Winter), that whole plan would have died in a cell corner.
The film sets the tone early — throwing us straight into the political atmosphere without lingering too long on why they were arrested. And honestly? I’m glad they didn’t. This isn’t about the why — it’s about the how. Diving too deep into their activism would have spoiled the whole point: Tim’s brain was the weapon, not the crime.
From the second the cell doors slam shut — the anxiety kicks in. Plans form, plans crumble — ideas are built, then shattered. This whole movie is a cycle of “Oh shit, are they actually gonna do this?” followed by “Oh shit, they actually did that.”
What really blew me away was how the movie shifts your focus. Tim isn’t supposed to be the hero in the classic Hollywood sense — he’s just a guy trying to survive. The camera constantly draws your attention to what he’s doing, not just who he is. There’s no ego, no long-winded monologues — just pure, meticulous craftsmanship.
If your heart isn’t hammering during those slow, silent lock-picking sequences — congrats, you’re a psychopath.
Radcliffe absolutely nailed this performance — probably one of his best post-Harry Potter roles. You feel every bead of sweat, every shaky breath. The guy barely blinks the entire movie — and neither did I.
Daniel Webber (Stephen Lee) does his job well, but let’s not kid ourselves — he’s more of a supporting character than the movie wants you to think. He’s the “I’ll hold the door” guy — important, sure — but not exactly memorable. Mark Leonard Winter (Leonard Fontaine) steals way more scenes — adding this raw, nervous energy that actually makes you wonder if he’s gonna crack at any second.
Then there’s Ian Hart as Denis Goldberg — the prison’s unofficial supply guy with enough wisdom to make Morgan Freeman blush. In reality, Goldberg was imprisoned for 22 years for fighting against apartheid — which the movie kinda glosses over. But Hart gives the character this warm, steady presence — like he’s the only one who really understands what they’re all up against.
If you’re into slow-burn thrillers where tension is everything — this movie is your new best friend. But if you’re looking for some high-octane, action-packed prison break… you’re gonna be disappointed. This is less Shawshank Redemption, more DIY Masterclass: How to Escape Prison with a Piece of Wood and a Lot of Patience.
By the time the credits roll, you’ll realize the whole movie was less about the escape — and more about the will to escape.
The only thing that bugged me? They never explain how Tim had that much patience. If it were me, I’d have snapped by Day 3 and tried to tunnel out with a plastic spoon.
