Review: The Infographics Show's "What a Life Sentence Feels Like" - A Gripping Look at Long-term Prison Life

By: Shane Lambert

The Infographics Show’s video “What a Life Sentence Actually Feels Like (Day 1 to Year 40)” is a gripping, well-crafted exploration of the harrowing realities of life behind bars. This 22-minute episode blends vivid storytelling with sobering facts, immersing viewers in the psychological and physical toll of a life sentence. From the original dehumanization of a strip search, to the constant threat of violence, to the futility of trying to improve your quality of life, and the monotony of solitary confinement, the video paints a raw, unflinching picture of prison life.

What sets this episode apart from others is its empathetic approach and focus on one character. It doesn’t just list statistics; it humanizes the experience, walking viewers through the emotional descent of an inmate over decades.

One scene that stood out for me is when the inmates novel is thrown out. His attempt to reconnect with the outside world is simply treated like garbage that needs to be burned.

Comments like “your life paused while the world kept moving” resonate deeply, as noted by viewers like @eddysmokes7, capturing the existential dread of incarceration. The research feels thorough, with sources cited and real-life perspectives echoed in comments from former inmates like @mattrobertson8432, who called it “shockingly emotional” and accurate.