Escape from Pretoria (2020) is a gripping historical thriller directed by Francis Annan, based on the real-life events surrounding the daring 1979 escape of two political prisoners from the notorious Pretoria Prison in South Africa. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Tim Jenkin, a real-life anti-apartheid activist who, along with fellow prisoner Stephen Lee (played by Daniel Webber), plots and successfully executes an escape plan.
The film takes place during the height of apartheid in South Africa, a regime that systematically oppressed the non-white population. Tim Jenkin, a member of the South African resistance movement, is sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities. Inside the prison, he forms a close bond with fellow inmate Stephen Lee, who is also a political prisoner. Together, they devise a plan to escape using homemade wooden keys they craft from memory, attempting to outsmart the guards and the oppressive prison system.
The film is a tense, tightly-paced thriller that focuses on the ingenuity and determination of the two prisoners as they work together to implement their escape plan. It highlights the dangers they face—not just from the guards and the prison system, but from the constant threat of being caught. The escape itself is an intense, edge-of-your-seat sequence as the two men take great risks in order to win their freedom.
Daniel Radcliffe’s portrayal of Tim Jenkin is a standout, showing a departure from his famous Harry Potter role and diving into a more serious, dramatic performance. He effectively conveys the resilience, frustration, and intelligence of his character. Daniel Webber also delivers a strong performance as Stephen Lee, providing a good balance of camaraderie and tension as the two characters work together under immense pressure.
The film’s direction and pacing keep the suspense high, even though the story is based on real events that viewers may already know the outcome of. The prison setting is claustrophobic, and the film does a great job of making the viewer feel the emotional and physical confinement of the characters. The story also explores the broader political context of apartheid, though it focuses primarily on the personal struggle of the two men and their desire for freedom.
Escape from Pretoria is a tense, thrilling, and inspiring film that showcases the power of human ingenuity and the fight for freedom in the face of oppression. The suspense is well-executed, and the real-life basis of the story adds an extra layer of weight to the events.
If you’re a fan of historical thrillers or films about real-life acts of resistance, Escape from Pretoria is an engaging and suspenseful watch. It combines a harrowing escape story with a strong emotional core, making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.
