This stylish, if curiously suspense-free prison thriller sees lifer convict Frank Perry (Brian Cox) – 14 years into a life sentence – attempting a breakout from a maximum-security London prison to be with his critically ill junkie daughter.
Instead of following a linear timeline, the film runs two parallel narratives simultaneously – The incredibly tense, physical, and claustrophobic execution of the escape itself through the subterranean tunnels, sewers, and underground systems beneath London, and flashbacks showcasing the months of meticulous planning, alliance-building, and dangerous prison politics that led up to the breakout.
A clever twist ending reveals that Frank “escapes” the prison – but not in the way he had planned.
Cox anchors the drama with a strong, silent mystique, and there’s sterling support from Steven Mackintosh (as vindictive psycho, Tony) and Joseph Fiennes (as Lenny Drake, the muscle in Perry’s crew).
Film critics praised the film for its claustrophobic atmosphere and non-linear editing, while Brian Cox’s performance was widely regarded as a masterclass in screen presence.
Frank Perry
Brian Cox Rizza
Damian Lewis Lenny Drake
Joseph Fiennes Viv Batista
Seu Jorge Brodie
Liam Cunningham Lacey
Dominic Cooper Tony
Steven Mackintosh Jumpy Con
Ned Dennehy Sam
Vinnie McCabe Sikes
Jack Walsh Hedges
Frank O’Sullivan Two Ton
Stephen Farrelly (as Sheamus O’Shaunessy) Mary
Domhnall O’Donoghue Stan
George Seremba Frank’s Daughter
Eleanor McLynn Frank’s Wife
Bernadette McKenna Doctor
Phelim Drew
Director
Rupert Wyatt
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Instead of following a linear timeline, the film runs two parallel narratives simultaneously – The incredibly tense, physical, and claustrophobic execution of the escape itself through the subterranean tunnels, sewers, and underground systems beneath London, and flashbacks showcasing the months of meticulous planning, alliance-building, and dangerous prison politics that led up to the breakout.
A clever twist ending reveals that Frank “escapes” the prison – but not in the way he had planned.
