The Experiment

A group of volunteers is assembled for a controlled psychological study led by Dr. Archaleta. After interviews assessing reactions to violence, 26 participants are chosen and transported to an isolated prison setting under 24-hour camera coverage. The purpose is to observe behavior when power dynamics are strictly enforced.

The group is split into six guards and 20 prisoners, with participants referred to by numbers. Travis is designated prisoner #77 and Barris becomes one of the guards. The numerical roles set the stage for dehumanization and power imbalance.

Prisoners must eat three meals daily, participate in 30 minutes of recreation, stay within designated areas, and avoid speaking to guards unless spoken to. Guards must enforce obedience and respond to infractions within 30 minutes. Archaleta makes clear the study will end at the first sign of violence or quitting.

Barris, uneasy about potential violence, initially tries to dissuade aggressive tactics. Despite his concerns, the other guards become more forceful in enforcing obedience, and Barris's stance darkens into a more sadistic approach. The power dynamic begins to hinge on fear.

Recognizing Travis's defiance is destabilizing the system, Barris orders fellow guards to abduct him, shave his head, and urinate on him. Archaleta fails to intervene, and Barris defends his actions as 'commensurate' with the inmates' resistance. The cruelty marks a turning point in the experiment.

Benjy, a diabetic prisoner, has hidden his insulin needs, hoping dieting could cure his condition. Bosche tries to locate his insulin but is discovered by guards. Barris briefly provides insulin, then orders Bosche to be beaten, worsening the tension and danger inside the cell block.

During roll call, Travis removes his shirt as a sign of protest and is joined by the other prisoners. He climbs toward a camera to demand release, but guards choke him. When Benjy tries to defend him, Barris bludgeons Benjy, illustrating the brutal enforcement of the rules.

Travis is locked inside an old boiler pipe overnight as punishment for the recent protests. While confined, he discovers a hidden infrared camera, hinting at a means of monitoring and a potential path to escape. The experience hardens his resolve to resist.

Using the moment created by the infrared camera, Travis escapes and interrupts a guard's attempt to rape a prisoner. He and the freed inmates retaliate, beating the guard and taking back control of part of the facility. The uprising accelerates as more prisoners join the resistance.

Following the chaotic actions, Benjy is found dead from a head injury sustained during the escalating violence. The death intensifies the prisoners' anger and provides a brutal symbol of the consequences of the guards' brutality. The group remains determined to resist despite the cost.

The prisoners mount a full assault on the guards, leading to a chaotic pursuit through the building. Barris fights to keep the other guards from fleeing, revealing his own commitment to power even as the situation spirals. The escape route to the outside remains blocked until the final moment.

The guards are overwhelmed and the facility yields to daylight as the group exits to the grass outside. Audio news snippets suggest Archaleta is being tried for manslaughter in Benjy's death. Travis, having received his payment, leaves for India to meet his girlfriend.