Before 'Severance', Ben Stiller Directed This 94%-Rated Crime Gem That Was Unfairly Ignored

Before becoming known as the creator of Severance, Ben Stiller directed another project that went largely unnoticed: the miniseries Escape at Dannemora.

This dark, absurd, and incredibly tense crime drama, based on real events, follows two inmates who escape from a maximum-security prison with the help of a guard who falls in love with one of them.

The show was nominated for a Golden Globe but unfortunately didn't achieve the popularity it deserved. The leading roles feature a brilliant trio: Benicio del Toro, Paul Dano, and Patricia Arquette, each of whom delivers a complex, multifaceted performance.

What Is 'Escape at Dannemora' About?

Richard Matt and David Sweat are inmates at the maximum-securityClinton Correctional Facility. Richard is an experienced authority figure who befriends the guards, helps new inmates settle in, and paints in his spare time.

David murdered a sheriff's deputy and is constantly complaining to his family that he has been nicknamed the "cop killer" in prison and fears for his life. Both men work in a sewing workshop where they are supervised by the middle-aged warden, Tilly.

Deep down, Tilly dreams of all-consuming love. Left with no other choice, she transfers her needs to Sweat and begins an affair with him. Meanwhile, Matt plots a daring escape after yet another search of his cell.

'Escape at Dannemora' Is a Tragicomedy About Freedom and Love in an Oppressive Setting

Escape at Dannemora is a tragicomedy about freedom and the human need for love and the drab prison setting hints at the bleakness of each character's existence.

Benicio del Toro delivers one of the most powerful performances of his career as Richard, a skilled manipulator who remains charismatic and even charming.

Paul Dano portrays David, a foolishly imprisoned man desperately trying to survive without losing himself. Patricia Arquette plays Tilly, a woman who yearns for love so much that she is willing to risk everything for a fleeting feeling.

Together, they form an incredible ensemble cast that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

'Escape at Dannemora' Offers Surprisingly Compelling Portraits of Its Three Main Characters

Ben Stiller, better known as a comedian, proves himself to be a master of psychological drama in this series. Not only does he make a gripping escape thriller, he also creates profound portraits of people who have hit rock bottom.

This TV series is based on real events, so the ending is known in advance, but that doesn't make it any less gripping. In fact, the story remains gripping because carefully a crafted plan is falling apart due to relatable human frailties.

Escape at Dannemora is a fascinating prison break show that is a must-see for anyone who wants to watch three incredible actors deliver some of the best performances of their careers.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Escape at Dannemora'?

• Escape at Dannemora has 89% from critics and 94% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.9/10.

Where to Watch 'Escape at Dannemora'?

Escape at Dannemora is available to stream on Hulu.