Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) receives two consecutive life sentences for the murders of his wife and her lover, crimes he insists he didn't commit. Despite his protestations of innocence, he finds himself in a harsh prison environment. Throughout his time there, Andy forges a deep bond with Red (portrayed by Morgan Freeman), endures the brutal realities of life behind bars, adjusts to his new surroundings, and even assists the prison warden. All of this unfolds over the course of 19 years.