A crazy story of twisted manipulation and love
They don’t say “crazy in Alabama” for no reason and Netflix’s latest true crime film is here to show that in all its ugly glory. Jailbreak: Love on the Run is an easy watch, clocking in at under 90 minutes, but damn does it have a lot of content packed into that small run-time. And yes, it is one hell of a watch.
For those unaware, the story centers on Vicky White, a highly respected corrections officer who does her job, and does it damn well. A 17 year vet in her field, one day she aids the escape of a violent felon, Casey White, and together they go on the run.
What ensues is a high-profile manhunt and crazy media circus, as the pair try to evade the might of the American police force, as the noose slowly tightens around them. Predictably, this one does not have a happily-ever-after for our couple.
The film relays the whole story, through the words of eyewitnesses both inside and outside the prison. You see, Vicky White worked at Florence Lauderdale County Detention Center. An overcrowded temporary holding facility for inmates, we learn early on that this is not an easy workplace by any stretch of the imagination. And doubly so as a female.
Vicky White always took pride in being a straight and narrow cop, and treating each of the inmates as human beings. This helped to gain the respect of many inmates, including Casey White. However, one comment one day sets off a chain of events, that sees Vicky grab a burner phone and elicit a crazy affair with this guy 2 years prior to the manhunt that inevitably took place.
Around the talking head interviews, the film shows archival CCTV footage, photos and videos from inside the prison, all whilst overlaying that over the audio of Casey and Vicky’s calls. It’s clear from the outset that there’s a lot of manipulation going on here.
Having said that, we do get a balanced perspective from former inmates that got up close and personal to Vicky. “His face would light up like a Christmas tree when she was near,” One says glowingly, in reference to Casey’s affection toward Vicky. Simultaneously, we hear a fellow officer claim that Casey couldn’t give two hoots about Vicky and used her for his own means.
The idea with this documentary is that it’s ultimately left up to the audience to interpret the facts. It’s clear that Vicky was a lonely woman, with two failed relationships prior to Casey really doing a number on her psyche. It’s certainly not outside the realm of possibility to think Casey managed to worm his way in at the right time.
At the end of the day, we all want to be loved. We all want to be wanted by another and when it comes to Casey and Vicky White, that’s clear from the offset. Whether the love was mutual was Casey is something still to be determined, but it’s clear there were real feelings involved here.
It’s a shame that it ended the way it does, but this is a crazy story and not just a harsh reminder of why you don’t mix business with pleasure, but also that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. A very well made documentary that’s gripping from start to finish; Jailbreak: Love on the Run is definitely worth a watch.
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Verdict - 7.5/10
7.5/10