Escape at Dannemora Review: Ben Stiller’s Escape at Dannemora brings a true-crime saga to life, recounting one of the most audacious real-life prison escapes in modern history. Released in 2018 and now available on Netflix, this seven-episode mini-series is based on the infamous 2015 escape of two convicted murderers from Clinton Correctional Facility, aided by a civilian prison worker, Joyce “Tilly” Mitchell. With stellar performances by Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Arquette, and Paul Dano, and Stiller’s meticulous direction, Escape at Dannemora takes viewers on a tense, slow-burn journey that explores not only the prison break but also the psychology of the characters involved.
| Certificate – TV-MA Writer – Brett Johnson, Michael Tolkin Director – Ben Stiller Language – English Genre – Documentary, Drama, Crime Streaming – Now on Netflix |
Escape at Dannemora Synopsis (The True Story Drama)
In June 2015, Richard Matt and David Sweat, both serving life sentences for murder, broke out of a maximum-security prison in Dannemora, New York. Their escape was not only daring but also bizarrely fascinating, involving a complex tunnel system, seduction, and manipulation. Joyce Mitchell, a civilian supervisor in the prison’s sewing shop, developed intimate relationships with both inmates, leading her to provide the tools that helped them escape.
What followed was a massive manhunt that gripped the nation for weeks. While David Sweat was eventually captured alive, Richard Matt was shot and killed by law enforcement. The story had all the elements of a sensational drama—sex, violence, betrayal, and survival—which naturally caught Hollywood’s attention.
Escape at Dannemora Review
Benicio Del Toro and Paul Dano: The Inmates Who Dared to Escape
Benicio Del Toro and Paul Dano also deliver standout performances as Richard Matt and David Sweat, respectively. Del Toro, known for his intense screen presence, portrays Matt as a charming but dangerous manipulator, a man who uses his charisma to get what he wants. On the other hand, Dano plays Sweat as a more reserved, calculating figure—hardworking and determined to escape, but not without his own emotional complexities.
The dynamic between the two men is fascinating to watch, as they form an uneasy partnership based on mutual need rather than trust. Their interactions with Mitchell are equally compelling, as they use her desire for attention and excitement to manipulate her into assisting with their escape plan.
The Pacing and Structure
One of the most divisive aspects of Escape at Dannemora is its pacing. The series takes its time building up to the actual escape, with the first few episodes focusing more on character development and the slow, grinding life inside the prison. This deliberate pacing may feel slow to some viewers, especially those accustomed to fast-paced thrillers. However, this slow burn ultimately pays off, especially in the final episodes where the tension ramps up as the escape plan comes together.
The penultimate episode is particularly noteworthy for its flashbacks, which reveal the pasts of Matt, Sweat, and Mitchell. These backstories add layers of complexity to the characters, making their motivations clearer and more understandable. By the time the series reaches its thrilling conclusion, the slow buildup feels justified, and the emotional payoff is significant.
Themes of Power, Manipulation, and Desperation
At its core, Escape at Dannemora is a story about power dynamics—between the prisoners and the guards, between the inmates themselves, and between Mitchell and the two men she becomes entangled with. The series explores how power can be used, abused, and shifted in unexpected ways. Mitchell’s relationships with Matt and Sweat are not simply about sex or affection—they’re about control, manipulation, and a desperate need to feel important in a life that has otherwise left her unfulfilled.
The series also delves into the psychological toll of imprisonment, not just on the inmates but on the people who work in the prison system. Mitchell, like the prisoners, is trapped in a routine that feels suffocating, and her decision to help Matt and Sweat escape is as much about her own need for escape as it is about theirs.
Escape at Dannemora Cast
- Benicio Del Toro as Richard Matt
- Patricia Arquette as Tilly Mitchell
- Paul Dano as David Sweat
- Bonnie Hunt as Catherine Scott
- Eric Lange as Lyle Mitchell
- David Morse as Gene Palmer
- Jeremy Bobb as Dennis Lambert
- Michael Beasley as Murder
- Calvin Dutton as Kilo
- Dominic Colon as Odell Martinez
- Gregory Dann as Corrections Officer Boyd
- David Hammond as Inmate
Ben Stiller’s Vision and Directorial Style
Stiller’s involvement in the project may have surprised many, given his comedic background. However, Escape at Dannemora marks his first foray into full-on drama, and the result is an atmospheric, slow-paced, yet deeply engrossing narrative. Stiller spent a significant amount of time in upstate New York, researching the prison and the surrounding community to ensure authenticity. His dedication to detail is evident throughout the series, especially in the portrayal of prison life, which is often monotonous, repetitive, and bleak.
The cinematography in Escape at Dannemora is as stark and cold as the prison environment it depicts. Long, deliberate shots highlight the oppressive atmosphere of confinement, and the series’ pacing mirrors the slow, methodical nature of the escape plan. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but a careful, character-driven story that takes its time to unravel.
Patricia Arquette’s Award-Winning Performance as Joyce Mitchell
Patricia Arquette’s portrayal of Joyce Mitchell is one of the most talked-about aspects of Escape at Dannemora. Known for her glamorous roles in the past, Arquette underwent a complete physical transformation for the role, gaining weight and using prosthetics to alter her appearance. But it’s not just her physical transformation that’s impressive—it’s the depth of her performance.
Mitchell is portrayed as a deeply flawed, yet sympathetic character. She’s manipulative and selfish, but also trapped in a life of monotony and longing for excitement. Arquette masterfully balances these contradictions, making Mitchell both detestable and pitiable at the same time. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Critical Reception and Impact
Escape at Dannemora received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its performances, direction, and attention to detail. However, some critics noted the slow pacing as a potential drawback, with the series often feeling more like a long, drawn-out film rather than a traditional episodic drama. Still, the tension and character-driven storytelling kept audiences hooked, especially in the latter half of the series.
The show’s success also cemented Ben Stiller’s reputation as a director capable of handling serious, complex material, and it further solidified Arquette’s status as one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
Conclusion: A Gripping Character Study of a Prison Break
While Escape at Dannemora may not be for everyone, particularly those looking for a fast-paced thriller, it offers a compelling, character-driven exploration of one of the most fascinating prison escapes in recent history. With top-notch performances, meticulous direction, and a slow-burn narrative that builds to a satisfying conclusion, it’s a must-watch for fans of true crime and character-driven dramas.