Four prison inmates have been hatching a plan to literally dig out of jail when another prisoner, Claude Gaspard, is moved into their cell. They take a risk and share their plan with the newcomer. Over the course of three days, the prisoners and friends break through the concrete floor using a bed post and begin to make their way through the sewer system – yet their escape is anything but assured.

'Le Trou' stands as a timeless masterpiece of prison cinema, celebrated for its extraordinary realism, exceptional black-and-white cinematography, and powerful performances from mostly non-professional actors. Becker's meticulous directorial craftsmanship creates nail-biting suspense through methodical detail and minimalist restraint. While most found the deliberate pacing perfectly suited to building tension, a few felt it dragged. The film's documentary-like authenticity and sustained dramatic intensity make it essential viewing for serious cinema enthusiasts.