Based on the book Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison by one of the escapees, the film narrates the gripping true story of political prisoners Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee. These two white South Africans, imprisoned during the oppressive apartheid regime, craft an audacious plan to break free from Pretoria Central Prison in 1979, after being sentenced to 12 and 8 years respectively for "producing and distributing 18 different pamphlets on behalf of banned organizations."
Having witnessed the stark realities of apartheid during their time in college, Jenkin and Lee became ardent supporters of a democratic South Africa, standing firmly against racial discrimination and aligning themselves with the ANC, despite its prohibition. Their dedication to the cause led to their arrest for distributing materials that threatened national security. The judicial system aimed to silence them, making an example of them to deter other white South Africans from supporting anti-apartheid activities.
Upon their transfer to Pretoria Prison, they encounter Denis Goldberg, an older, seasoned political prisoner serving an astonishing four life sentences due to his own fight against apartheid. Goldberg, while respected and knowledgeable, advises the young men against pursuing escape. The prison is a fortress, characterized by towering walls, barbed wire, and a mix of non-violent and violent offenders who wear distinct colors to signify their status.
Determined to escape, Jenkin ingeniously smuggled in 360 Rand concealed within a cigar capsule. With Goldberg's guidance, they get to work devising a strategy for escape. Despite the overwhelming security, which includes heavily fortified gates and an electric-controlled final exit, they commence their efforts to break free. Early on, they face disbelief from fellow inmate Leonard Fontaine, who warns them that no one has ever succeeded in such an attempt.
In a remarkable twist of creativity, Jenkin initially tries to craft keys by measuring the locks but soon resorts to more improvised methods, studying the keys in minutes of distraction. By the 74th day, their persistence pays off when he successfully creates a working key. Challenges arise frequently; some attempts fail, leading to near captures, and the constant threat of discovery looms over them.
On one fateful occasion, Captain Schnepel disrupts a visit for Leo, causing the tensions in their escape plans to soar. Despite this, they continue refining their escape mechanisms, which include recruiting more prisoners to bolster their chances.
Throughout the ordeal, Jenkin grapples with anxiety yet perseveres. They gather tools and resources, finding ways to discreetly test their escape strategies at night. After almost a year of meticulous planning and facing numerous setbacks, the trio of Jenkin, Lee, and Leonard is at last poised to make their break.
Despite initial setbacks, they finally reach the last door separating them from freedom. In a desperate bid, they break through with their improvised tools, eluding the building's guards and making their way to the public street beyond. Their escape triggers a massive manhunt launched by the South African government, resulting in a high-stakes chase across multiple countries.
They eventually reach safety in London, remaining fugitives until their pardon in 1991, while Denis found his freedom in 1985 after spending 22 years behind bars. The events culminate with a momentous turning point for South Africa, as Nelson Mandela ascends to the presidency in 1994, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for the nation.
