Purgatory 1988

Hitchhiker carries drugs and is picked up

On the road to Umlanga airport, Carly and Melanie pick up a hitchhiker who is secretly carrying drugs. At a police checkpoint the drugs are discovered and the hitchhiker dies trying to flee. With no one to vouch for their innocence, the volunteers are pulled into a trap that will label them as smugglers.

Arrest at the checkpoint and false charges

At the checkpoint, the drugs are discovered and the hitchhiker dies while fleeing. Carly and Melanie are promptly arrested and accused of drug smuggling. With no one to vouch for their innocence, the case becomes a cache for corruption and injustice.

Swift trial and eleven-year sentence

They undergo a swift trial that seals their fate. The verdict sentences them to eleven years in a notorious women's prison called Purgatory. The outcome reflects a biased and corrupt justice system in Umlanga.

Arrival at Purgatory prison

Upon arrival, Carly and Melanie enter the brutal world of Purgatory. They face harsh living conditions and a constant sense of danger from guards and fellow inmates. The environment foreshadows the abuse to come.

Warden and guards begin sexual abuse regime

The warden and guards establish a corrupt, sexually abusive regime within the prison. The prisoners learn that fear triggers more abuse, so aggression is discouraged. Carly quickly learns how to navigate this brutal system to survive.

Carly becomes the warden's favorite

Carly becomes the warden's favorite as those in power exploit the prisoners to maintain control. She is forced to work in a prison brothel, enduring exploitation as a consequence. The shift tightens the warden's grip and traps Carly in a dangerous position.

Melanie's coping fails and breaks down

Melanie struggles to cope with the brutal conditions and breaks down under the pressure. The toll of abuse and isolation erodes her resilience, affecting her relationship with Carly. The sisters' dynamics become strained as they navigate the system.

Mother's efforts to secure release fail

Carly's mother fights to secure her daughter's release from abroad, visiting attempts that yield little result. The American embassy offers little to no assistance, underscoring the prisoners' isolation. The family’s attempts highlight the broader lack of support for those trapped in the system.

Widespread corruption and brutality in the system

The film exposes widespread corruption within the prison system and the brutality endured by prisoners. The warden's mechanisms of control demonstrate how power protects the abusers. The oppressive atmosphere remains constant for Carly and Melanie.

Survival strategies and resilience

Despite the hellish conditions, Carly and Melanie attempt to survive by adapting to the prison's brutal rules. They form strategies to avoid the worst abuses and support each other where possible. The narrative emphasizes the struggle to retain humanity in an inhumane system.

The toll on body and spirit

The long sentence and continuous abuse take a heavy toll on both women. The film follows their deteriorating mental and physical health as they endure each day's brutality. Their bond is tested as hope flickers and dims.