Hollywood takes audiences behind bars — and far beyond — in the hard-hitting action-thriller The Convict (2025), a brutal, emotional, and fast-paced film that’s already being hailed as one of the year’s boldest cinematic surprises. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), The Convict combines the intensity of a prison drama with the adrenaline of a man-on-the-run action story.
Starring Oscar Isaac in a transformative lead role, the film tells the story of Michael Rourke, a wrongly convicted ex-special forces soldier who escapes from a maximum-security prison after discovering that his conviction was part of a government cover-up. Fueled by rage, regret, and a thirst for justice, Rourke launches a relentless mission to expose the truth — even if it means becoming the very monster the world believes he is.
Set in a grim, near-future version of the United States where the justice system is privatized and corrupted, The Convict opens with Rourke serving year five of a life sentence for the assassination of a U.S. senator — a crime he didn’t commit. Inside the brutal confines of Coldwater Penitentiary, he earns the nickname “Ghost” for his deadly precision and silence.
When a journalist, Elena Price (played by Naomi Scott), uncovers classified documents that hint at Rourke’s innocence, a secret government task force moves to eliminate both of them. With no time to wait, Rourke escapes in a violent prison break that sets off a nationwide manhunt.
From the backstreets of Detroit to hidden safehouses in Mexico City, The Convict blends tight, Bourne-style action with emotionally charged moments of introspection. As Rourke closes in on the truth, he confronts not only those who betrayed him — but also the question of whether vengeance will free him, or destroy him.
Oscar Isaac delivers a career-defining performance as a hardened man seeking redemption. Critics at early screenings have praised his emotional depth and physical commitment. Naomi Scott brings fire and heart as the determined journalist fighting her own demons. Rounding out the cast is Giancarlo Esposito as a manipulative intelligence director with hidden motives, and Frank Grillo as a relentless U.S. Marshal tracking Rourke down.
Director Fuqua leans into the film’s dark tone with gritty cinematography, sharp editing, and immersive world-building. The script, written by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River), pulses with tension, conspiracy, and hard truths about justice and power.
Set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival before its worldwide release on November 14, 2025, The Convict has already drawn comparisons to Escape from Alcatraz, The Fugitive, and Prisoners. The combination of political intrigue, emotional weight, and action-packed storytelling makes it a strong awards contender — and a potential franchise starter.
The Convict reminds audiences that sometimes, the most dangerous man isn’t the one outside the law — but the one who was betrayed by it.
