Escape from Pretoria
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 6, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Daniel Radcliffe as Tim Jenkin
- Daniel Webber as Stephen Lee
- Ian Hart as Denis Goldberg
- Mark Leonard Winter as Leonard Fontaine
- Nathan Page as Mongo
Director
Francis Annan
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Woyzeck (2011)
- The Longest Drive (2015)
Producer
David Barron, Mark Blaney, Jackie Sheppard
Writer
Francis Annan, L.H. Adams, based on the book Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison by Tim Jenkin
Budget
$7 million
Production Company
Footprint Films, BeaglePug, Spier Films
Running Time
106 minutes
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense scenes of suspense and danger
- Some violence
Movie Story
“Escape from Pretoria” is a tense and gripping thriller based on the true story of Tim Jenkin (Daniel Radcliffe) and Stephen Lee (Daniel Webber), two South African political activists who were imprisoned in 1978 for their anti-apartheid activities. Convicted of “producing and distributing 18 different pamphlets on behalf of banned organizations” including the African National Congress (ANC), they were sentenced to lengthy terms in the notorious Pretoria Central Prison.
The film chronicles their daring escape from the maximum-security facility using handcrafted wooden keys to unlock the multiple steel doors separating them from freedom. The story is a detailed depiction of the meticulous planning, engineering ingenuity, and unwavering determination required to execute such a high-stakes prison break.
Tim and Stephen, alongside fellow inmate Denis Goldberg (Ian Hart), who was also imprisoned for his anti-apartheid activities, endure the harsh conditions of the prison while secretly crafting their escape plan. The tension builds as they painstakingly create keys to the various locks in the prison, smuggling materials, and testing their keys under the ever-watchful eyes of the guards. The film highlights not only their resourcefulness but also their psychological resilience as they confront the constant fear of discovery.
“Escape from Pretoria” is as much about the power of human spirit and the fight for justice as it is about the escape itself. The film is a testament to the courage and determination of those who resisted apartheid, even at great personal risk. With strong performances from the cast, particularly Daniel Radcliffe as the driven and resourceful Tim Jenkin, the film offers a thrilling and inspirational portrayal of one of the most daring prison breaks in history.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Escape from Pretoria” are minimal, as the film relies more on practical effects and the intense, claustrophobic atmosphere of the prison to build tension. The focus is on creating a realistic depiction of the prison environment, with detailed sets that recreate the oppressive conditions and the intricate mechanisms of the locks and doors that the characters must overcome. The film’s visual effects are used sparingly, mainly to enhance the suspenseful moments as the characters inch closer to their escape.
Box Office Performance
“Escape from Pretoria” was released in a limited capacity and faced challenges at the box office due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it gained a wider audience through streaming platforms and digital rentals, where it was praised for its gripping narrative and strong performances. The film resonated particularly with fans of historical dramas and true crime thrillers.
Filming Locations
- Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Notable Quotes
- “If we are caught, we’re not just going to jail.” – Tim Jenkin
- “They don’t want us to think we can escape. They want us to believe we’re here forever.” – Denis Goldberg
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Francis Annan aimed to create a film that was both a thrilling escape movie and a powerful statement about the human spirit’s fight against oppression. Daniel Radcliffe’s portrayal of Tim Jenkin was widely praised, with the actor immersing himself in the role to accurately depict Jenkin’s determination and ingenuity. The film was shot in Adelaide, Australia, where the production team meticulously recreated the Pretoria Central Prison, ensuring that the sets were as authentic as possible. The focus on realism extended to the escape techniques used in the film, with the actors involved in learning how to craft the keys and locks as their characters would have done.
Awards
- Nominated for AACTA Award: Best Sound
Final Verdict
“Escape from Pretoria” is a taut and well-executed thriller that captures the intensity of one of history’s most daring prison escapes. The film’s focus on character-driven suspense, combined with its historical context, makes it a compelling watch for fans of true stories and political dramas. Daniel Radcliffe delivers a strong performance, effectively conveying the urgency and danger of the situation. While the film’s pacing is deliberate, it pays off with a tense and satisfying conclusion that honors the real-life bravery of its protagonists.
IMDb Rating
6.8/10