Prison films are usually excellent and “Escape from Pretoria” is no exception. This 2020 Australian indie was co-written and directed by Francis Anna. Based off the novel ‘Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison’ by Tim Jenkin, the film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Jenkin; a young white man sent to prison for performing anti-apartheid missions in South Africa.
What’s more terrifying than reality?
Its June of 1978. South Africa is experiencing turmoil in its streets. Violent protests. Racial assaults. We get the brutality of actual footage in the opening montages. It’s an unreal setting.
Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee (Daniel Webber) are working for the African National Congress (ANC), and carrying out various peaceful demonstrations. What’s interesting is that unlike most prison films, Jenkin and Lee are shown to be guilty of their crimes. We also see the appalling judicial system in progress, as it sends them both to the Pretoria Political Prison for a decade.
Daniel Radcliffe, best known as Harry Potter, is proving how great an adult actor he is. I loved his performance in “The Woman in Black” and here, he is equally impressive. Through Radcliffe’s ability, we understand the motives of Tim Jenkin. And the never give up mentality that someone fighting for a cause must have. One scene has a guard scolding Tim for having intense eyes, and that’s all thanks to the emotions of Radcliffe. Daniel Webber, Ian Hart, and Mark Leonard Winter all prove solid in supporting roles.
“Escape from Pretoria” differs from other prison stories in a few ways.
We don’t get inmate fights or shower rapes. True the facility is harsh, and the guards are abusive. Prisoners are kept in isolated cells and must remain silent all night. There’s of course a sadistic warden (Nathan Page) whose obsession with cleanliness becomes a crucial part of the plot. But from the onset, we know the players involved. We also know they immediately begin working on an escape attempt.
A day counter on screen that indicates how long it’s been for Jenkin and Lee add to the stress. The calculations and testing that the men do is fascinating to watch. There are no dull moments. Tension is abound at every turn. From start to finish you’ll feel as though you are locked up with them. Whether or not they make it is left to be seen. Spoiler alert! It’s a true story so don’t read anything about the actual event if you want to go in fresh.
These kinds of movies are always good. I suppose as the audience, we like to envision ourselves in the situation. Sentenced unjustly and finding some obscure method of escaping. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. For now, I suggest watching “Escape from Pretoria.” Its an exciting 106 minute thriller that’s well acted and well made. It tells a true story and offers a glimpse of some pretty terrifying history.
“Escape from Pretoria” is currently available to rent on Amazon.
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