In the Depression-era Deep South, three escapees from a Mississippi prison chain gang—Everett Ulysses McGill, sweet-and-simple Delmar, and the perpetually angry Pete—embark on the adventure of a lifetime as they set out to pursue their freedom and return to their homes. With nothing to lose and still in shackles, they make a hasty run for their lives and end up on an incredible journey filled with challenging experiences and colorful characters. However, they must also match wits with the cunning and mysterious lawman Cooley, who tracks the men, bent on bringing the trio back to the prison farm.