Women’s Prison

Amelia van Zandt establishes a ruthless, no-mercy rule over the female inmates. She makes life hell for them by enforcing strict discipline and swift punishment. Her temper and lack of empathy set the tone for the prison's brutal climate.

Helene Jensen, recently convicted of vehicular homicide, is immediately deemed out of place. She is placed in solitary confinement to break her spirit, a punishment reflecting the regime's harsh approach. The isolation tests her resilience from the start.

Distressed and hysterical, Helene is put in a straitjacket. The combination of confinement and coercion threatens her life as she teeters on collapse. This episode foreshadows the brutality that permeates the facility.

Joan Burton continues secret conjugal visits with her husband Glen, who is housed in the other wing. Their late-night meetings result in Joan becoming pregnant, despite the strict separation of wings. The warden Brock pressures Van Zandt to uncover how the illicit visits are arranged.

Dr. Crane, the compassionate physician in charge of the infirmary, opposes the cruel treatment he witnesses. He speaks out against the brutality and contemplates resigning if the situation does not improve. His moral stance highlights the division within prison leadership.

During questioning, Van Zandt erupts in homicidal rage and beats Joan, who is pregnant, nearly to death. The assault exposes the depth of cruelty used to extract information. Brock and Van Zandt's actions escalate the crisis.

Glen sneaks into the infirmary to speak with Joan, exchanging hopeful visions for their baby after both have served their sentences. Joan dies after the emotional moment, adding personal tragedy to the prison's oppression. The event intensifies the inmates' anger.

Dr. Crane tells Van Zandt and Brock that he will resign after treating Joan's injuries and will report the abuses to higher authorities. His declaration sets up a clash between reform-minded professionals and the prison's brutal governance. The tension marks a turning point in the prison's dynamics.

Joan's cellmate Brenda Martin leads a hunger strike that rapidly escalates into a full riot in the women's cell block. Inmates from various backgrounds are swept up in the violence, illustrating how quickly control can unravel. The protests push the facility toward chaos.

The riot triggers a brutal crackdown as guards release tear gas and fire into the wing. Van Zandt becomes a focal point of the inmates' outrage, and she is momentarily captured as chaos rages. Dr. Crane pleads for restraint, but the inmates demand accountability.

Glen secures a gun and comes to the prison to kill Van Zandt. The compound erupts in confusion as he pursues her through corridors while gas fills the air. This confrontation heightens the sense of impending tragedy.

Glen corners Van Zandt in the padded cell she had used for Helene. Dr. Crane bursts in and argues that Van Zandt has been driven mad, urging Glen not to shoot. The moment culminates in Van Zandt being restrained and removed.

Dr. Crane informs Brock that he will not remain warden after the prison board meets the next day, signaling administrative change. Helene is released from prison and joyfully reunites with her husband, signaling a fragile sense of resolution amid turmoil.

The film closes with survivors reflecting on the brutality of the system—some resist, some escape, and others face consequences. Helene's reunion with her husband provides a thread of personal relief amid the broader turmoil.