Escape at Dannemora

Editor Reviews

• Jax Colby

  Rating: 7

  7

  October 4, 2025

  If you're looking for a series that captures the raw intensity and meticulous planning of an escape, look no further than Escape at Dannemora. This limited series, directed by the incredible Ben Stiller, is a true-crime masterpiece based on the 2015 prison break from Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Patricia Arquette delivers an absolutely transformative, Emmy-winning performance as Tilly Mitchell, the married prison employee who becomes romantically involved with two inmates and helps them plot their audacious escape. Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano are equally compelling as the convicts, Richard Matt and David Sweat. The series is a masterclass in tension, character development, and atmospheric storytelling, making you feel the chilling cold of the prison and the desperate hope of freedom. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves a tightly woven narrative with high stakes and complex characters, all wrapped up in a single, perfectly executed season.

• Iris Caldwell

  Rating: 4

  4

  March 27, 2025

  This miniseries, directed by Ben Stiller, recounts the true story of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape in upstate New York. Patricia Arquette, Benicio del Toro, and Paul Dano star as Tilly Mitchell, Richard Matt, and David Sweat, respectively. The series delves into the relationships that enabled the escape, with Tilly, a prison employee, becoming romantically involved with both inmates and aiding their plan. 'Escape at Dannemora' is notable for its gritty realism and its exploration of the characters' motivations and flaws. Arquette gained weight for the role to accurately portray Tilly's physical appearance. The series received critical acclaim for its performances and direction, offering a compelling and suspenseful account of the infamous prison break.