Wade Porter, portrayed by Stephen Dorff, seemed to have everything: a successful construction company, a loving family, and a promising future. This changes abruptly when he fatally shoots a burglar during a home defense incident. Rather than face a potential 15-year sentence for Involuntary Manslaughter, he negotiates a plea deal reducing his time to 13 months. However, Porter is completely naive about the realities of prison life. He becomes entangled in difficult situations involving a white prison gang and is subsequently transferred to San Quentin’s SHU to complete his term. To endure the harsh environment and survive against other inmates and cruel guards, he must navigate complex gang dynamics, racial tensions, and frequent violent confrontations. During his incarceration, Porter develops a friendship with John Smith (Val Kilmer), a seasoned prison veteran and prolific killer, who offers guidance and helps him maintain his mental stability amidst the brutal conditions. Simultaneously, Porter’s fiancée and child struggle to manage on their own while he is incarcerated. Felon stands out as one of the strongest prison films ever created; it's comparable in quality to American Me.

Source on TMDB