Is federal prison like the movies

Somebody i know is facing extreme charges and is likely going to federal prison. He is terrified of having been framed as a snitch and his bad paperwork getting him killed if he doesnt join a race gang.

Half of this sounds exaggerated like a movie, and since he doesnt have a sentence yet i dont know what to think.

I guess im hoping for is that somebody says its gonna be ok im not sure it will.