John Brennan is a community college professor whose idyllic life shatters when his wife, Lara, is suddenly arrested and convicted for a murder she vehemently claims she didn't commit. Struggling to maintain hope for Lara's exoneration, John's life spirals as every appeal falls short. As the evidence against Lara seems irrefutable, and with her mental state deteriorating in prison, John becomes obsessed with the idea of rescuing her. Consumed by the belief in her innocence and motivated by the desperate need to reunite their family for the sake of their young son, Luke, John meticulously plans an improbable but daring prison break.

With no prior criminal experience, John seeks out help from unconventional sources, including consulting an ex-convict, who gives him a sobering view of the stakes involved. John learns to navigate Pittsburgh's criminal underbelly and brush up on skills necessary to execute a flawless escape. Obstacles escalate as John balances his teaching responsibilities, takes care of his son, and fosters a secret life of planning. The tension mounts as John's plan nears execution, and each calculated move teeters on the edge of life-changing consequences.