In 1960s England, a young and rebellious thief named John McVicar finds himself trapped in a world of crime and deception. After a series of successful heists, his ambition leads him to a robbery that goes terribly wrong, resulting in a violent shootout with the police. Captured and sentenced to more than ten years behind bars, McVicar faces the harsh reality of prison life. However, his indomitable spirit quickly turns him into a legendary inmate among his peers as he plans his escape.
The film explores his transformation, showing how the brutalities of prison and the longing for freedom push him to reinvent himself. During his time there, he forges relationships with other inmates and prison staff, and moments of reflection about his life and the choices that brought him to this point arise. As time passes, McVicar's escape plans begin to take shape, fueled by his fervent desire for redemption and a future away from a life of crime.
Ultimately, McVicar's story becomes a journey of self-discovery, where each step toward freedom confronts him with his own demons and the cost of his choices. The adrenaline, tension, and a pleasant dose of humor characterize this intense odyssey, leading us to question what it truly means to be free.